The People’s Republic of China has committed robust technical and diplomatic support to Nigeria’s ambitious programme to modernise and fully automate its seaports, marking a significant strengthening of bilateral ties in the maritime sector.
The pledge was made by China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr Li Yang, during a high-level bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, held on the sidelines of maritime discussions in London.
Mr Li Yang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a standalone Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, calling it “a bold and visionary move” that will unlock Nigeria’s vast maritime potential.
He reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s candidacy in the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election slated for Friday, 28 November 2025.
Beyond diplomatic backing, the Chinese Vice Minister announced that Beijing is ready to offer scholarships and specialised maritime training programmes to young Nigerian professionals, as well as deepen cooperation in port digitalisation and automation.
In response, Minister Oyetola, through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Bolaji Akinola, expressed profound gratitude for China’s solidarity and its endorsement of Nigeria’s IMO bid.
He assured China of Nigeria’s readiness to reciprocate the gesture.The Nigerian Minister outlined key areas for enhanced collaboration, including port digitalisation, maritime safety and security, shipbuilding and repair, inland waterway development, seafarer training, blue economy investment, and environmental protection in the maritime domain.
Both sides concluded the meeting with a firm commitment to expedite the signing of a new bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will formalise and expand cooperation across the maritime and blue economy sectors.
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