China has pledged to back Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise and automate its seaports, highlighting the deepening partnership between the two countries in the maritime sector.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting in London on November 24, 2025, between China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr. Li Yang, and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, revealed.
Mr. Li commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a transformative step for Nigeria’s maritime future. He noted that China operates 52 fully automated ports worldwide and possesses the technical expertise to assist Nigeria in moving from manual and semi-automated systems to a fully digitalised port environment.
Highlighting the benefits of automated ports, Mr. Li explained that they improve trade efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround times, enhance security through smart surveillance, and minimise human error through integrated digital platforms. He assured that a similar system tailored to Nigeria’s needs could significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness.
China has offered support in areas including smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes, and advanced maritime communication technologies. The country also pledged assistance to Nigeria in its upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election on November 28.
In addition, China expressed willingness to provide maritime education and capacity-building opportunities for young Nigerians through scholarships and the Global Innovation in Transport Programme, a four-week intensive training initiative. Dr. Oyetola has also been invited to participate in China’s Sustainable Transport Summit next year. Both nations are preparing a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their cooperation in the maritime sector.
Responding, Dr. Oyetola expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership and pledged reciprocal support. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration in port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments, and maritime environmental protection.
The Minister also noted that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the past four years and highlighted improved security in the Gulf of Guinea, attributing the progress to regional cooperation, sustained surveillance, and deployment of Deep Blue security assets. He called for China’s assistance in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resources, a key pillar of the nation’s blue economy strategy.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to strengthen maritime ties, advance technical collaboration, and finalise the forthcoming bilateral MoU to define new areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China.
