Business
THE Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says Nigeria should leverage China’s tariff-free policy for African goods by promoting local processing and value addition to boost global competitiveness.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the chamber made this known while reacting to China’s decision to remove tariffs on goods from 53 African countries, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria must avoid remaining merely an exporter of raw materials.
Instead, Nigerian should work for increased value addition and local processing to enhance the competitiveness and value of Nigerian products in global markets.
“Nigeria should use the opportunity to shift from overdependence on crude oil exports to agriculture, manufacturing and value-added exports.
“The China’s zero-tariff policy offers Nigeria major opportunities to expand exports, boost industrialisation and diversify the economy,’’ he said.
Obegolu described the policy as a major opportunity for Nigeria’s export sector, adding that the policy would strengthen industrialisation and deepen trade relations between Nigeria, other African countries and China.
He said the initiative would also promote balanced trade, economic cooperation and inclusive growth between China and African countries.
He urged business people to expand production of agro-processed and manufactured goods for the Chinese market.
ACCI president identified cocoa, sesame, cashew, ginger, leather products, textiles and processed agricultural products as areas with strong export potential.
He said ACCI would mobilise businesses, investors, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and stakeholders to build export value chains that meet international standards.
He said the policy came at a critical time as global trade dynamics continue to change rapidly, adding that the tariff removal would improve competitiveness of Nigerian products in the Chinese market.
According to him, the policy will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs and support industrial growth.
Obegolu emphasised the need for investments in agro-processing, storage, logistics, quality control, packaging and infrastructure.
He urged government at all levels to support policies that promote ease of doing business, export financing and industrial development.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop export-oriented industries, while encouraging youth and women entrepreneurs to participate actively in international trade.
The president reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to supporting trade facilitation, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.
The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, officially announced China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries on Feb. 14, 2026, during the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
The policy took effect on May 1, 2026, opening access to the Chinese market for African exports. (NAN)
A.I
May 14, 2026
Tags: ACCI Chief Emeka Obegolu