Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector, with new agreements aimed at enhancing port infrastructure, growing maritime trade, and opening Chinese markets to Nigerian aquaculture products.
This renewed partnership was the focus of a high-level meeting on Thursday between Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Maritime Potential
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Oyetola underscored the country’s vast maritime potential, noting Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways.
“Our maritime domain offers immense potential not just for shipping and port development, but also in renewable ocean energy, fisheries, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure,” Oyetola said.
“We are determined to create the right investment framework, and we see China’s marine economy as a model we can learn from.”
The minister expressed confidence that closer collaboration with China would catalyse new investment and innovation across Nigeria’s marine economy.
China Backs Nigeria’s Blue Economy Drive
In response, Ambassador Yu Dunhai praised Nigeria’s maritime potential and reiterated China’s commitment to helping Nigeria unlock it. He cited the Lekki Deep Seaport constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company as a landmark example of fruitful bilateral cooperation.
According to Yu, the deep seaport is now capable of handling ultra-large container vessels, reducing pressure on existing Lagos ports, and positioning Nigeria as a regional maritime logistics hub for West and Central Africa.
“This project has not only enhanced Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity but also created thousands of jobs and improved port efficiency,” the ambassador noted.
Aquaculture Export Agreement in the Works
Ambassador Yu also revealed that China has approved zero tariffs on aquaculture imports from Nigeria, a move expected to open new export opportunities for Nigerian producers.
A formal agreement is currently being finalised to facilitate the export of Nigerian aquaculture products to the Chinese market, a significant development for Nigeria’s fishery sector and food trade relations with China.
“This is a game-changer for local aquaculture businesses,” Yu said. “It reflects China’s deep commitment to long-term economic partnership with Nigeria.”
$2 Billion Maritime Investment Deal Signed
In a major boost to indigenous maritime development, Nigeria and China have also signed a $2 billion maritime investment deal, aimed at accelerating local vessel ownership and building a globally competitive shipping ecosystem.
Highlights of the agreement include:
- $2 billion in new vessel investments
- $20 billion in long-term freight contracts for Nigerian operators
- $200 million allocated to maritime training programmes
- $50 million for the acquisition of training vessels
- Over 2,000 maritime jobs expected to be created annually
- Training for 25,000 globally certified Nigerian seafarers
Minister Oyetola hailed the initiative as a significant step towards achieving maritime self-reliance and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
“With China’s collaboration and investment, we are confident that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy can become a major driver of economic growth and job creation,” he said.
A Partnership Anchored on Mutual Growth
Both officials reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in maritime infrastructure, technology, trade, and sustainability.
Oyetola concluded by noting that Nigeria’s blue economy offers boundless opportunities for investors, and with China’s backing, the sector is now poised for a new era of innovation and expansion.
“This partnership is not just about infrastructure, it’s about people, jobs, trade, and shared prosperity. We are confident that the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector is bright,” he said.
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