By Anscella Obike
China has pledged strong technical and diplomatic support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and automate operations across its seaports, marking a significant step in deepening maritime cooperation between both countries. The commitment was conveyed by China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr. Li Yang, during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, held on the sidelines of maritime engagements in London.
Mr. Li Yang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a standalone ministry, describing the decision as a transformative move for Nigeria’s maritime future. He noted that China currently operates 52 fully automated ports, among the highest in the world, and said the country possesses the expertise and technology to guide Nigeria’s transition from manual and semi-automated operations to a fully digitalised port ecosystem.
According to him, automation has enabled China to enhance trade efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, strengthen surveillance and security, and minimise human error through integrated digital platforms. He added that a similar approach, adapted to Nigeria’s unique requirements, could unlock a new era of competitiveness and efficiency for Africa’s largest economy.
The Vice Minister stated that China is ready to support Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, advanced cargo-handling systems, digital gate control technology, electronic customs procedures, and improved maritime communication networks. He also reaffirmed China’s backing for Nigeria in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election scheduled for Friday, 28 November.
Li Yang praised the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China, noting the strong presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria’s rail, road, and port construction sectors, which, he said, has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s infrastructural development. In addition to technical support, he announced China’s willingness to expand maritime education and capacity-building opportunities for young Nigerians, including scholarships under China’s specialised maritime training scheme and access to the Global Innovation in Transport Programme, an intensive four-week training initiative.
He invited Minister Oyetola to next year’s China Sustainable Transport Summit and disclosed that a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being prepared to scale bilateral maritime cooperation.
Responding, Minister Oyetola expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership and support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, assuring that Nigeria would reciprocate the gesture. He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in key areas such as port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and repair capacity, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and marine environmental protection.
Highlighting progress in maritime security, Oyetola reaffirmed that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters over the past four years, with similar improvements reported across the Gulf of Guinea, crediting the achievement to enhanced surveillance and the deployment of Deep Blue security assets.
The Minister called for China’s assistance in tackling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through satellite tracking, modern monitoring technologies and joint enforcement operations. He also sought support in expanding Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resource sector as part of the country’s broader blue economy growth agenda.
The meeting closed with both parties reaffirming their resolve to strengthen maritime relations, advance technical cooperation and finalise the forthcoming MoU that will outline new frameworks for strategic collaboration between Nigeria and China.
