Nigeria and China have pledged to expand cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector, with a focus on port development and opening new markets for Nigerian aquaculture exports.
According to Punch, the agreement was reached during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s maritime resources, including its 853-kilometre Atlantic coastline and over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, describing them as key assets for shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure.
“Our ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership, and Nigeria has much to learn from China’s marine and blue economy model,” he said.
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Ambassador Yu praised Nigeria’s maritime potential and reaffirmed China’s support, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport, built by China Harbour Engineering Company, as a model of successful collaboration.
The port, he noted, has created thousands of jobs, eased congestion in Lagos ports, and positioned Nigeria as a growing hub for West and Central African trade.
Yu also disclosed that an agreement is underway to allow Nigerian aquaculture products into the Chinese market under a zero-tariff policy, a move expected to boost local producers and expand bilateral food trade.
In addition, Nigeria and China have signed a $2 billion maritime investment deal aimed at promoting indigenous vessel ownership and strengthening Nigeria’s shipping industry.
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The initiative will inject $2bn into vessel acquisitions, deliver $20bn in freight contracts to Nigerian operators, allocate $200m for maritime training, and provide $50m for training vessels.
It is projected to generate over 2,000 maritime jobs annually and train 25,000 Nigerian seafarers with globally recognised certification.
Oyetola expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would unlock investment opportunities and accelerate Nigeria’s emergence as a leading maritime economy in Africa.
Image Credit: Independent Newspaper Nigeria
