Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and automate operations across its seaports have received a major boost as the government of the People’s Republic of China has pledged strong technical, diplomatic and capacity-building support for the country’s maritime sector.
The commitment was made on Monday 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 lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the decision as transformative for Nigeria’s maritime development. He noted that China operates 52 fully automated ports — one of the highest in the world — and said the country is prepared to deploy its expertise to support Nigeria’s transition from manual and semi-automated operations to a fully digital port ecosystem.
According to him, China’s automated ports have significantly improved efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround time, enhanced security through smart surveillance, and lowered human error via integrated digital platforms. He said adopting similar technologies, customised to Nigeria’s needs, would strengthen trade competitiveness and reposition the nation’s seaports for global relevance.
Mr. Li stated that China stands ready to assist Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate control, electronic customs processes and advanced maritime communication systems. He further reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election scheduled for Friday, November 28.
He also expressed satisfaction with the involvement of Chinese firms in Nigeria’s rail, road and port construction projects, saying such partnerships have contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s infrastructural development.
Beyond technology, the Chinese Vice Minister announced new opportunities for maritime education and capacity-building for young Nigerians. These include scholarships under China’s specialised maritime training scheme and participation in the Global Innovation in Transport Programme, a four-week intensive programme focused on modern transport and logistics innovation.
He also invited Minister Oyetola to next year’s Sustainable Transport Summit in China and disclosed that both countries are working on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Oyetola expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership and its endorsement of Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, assuring that Nigeria remains committed to deepening cooperation with China. He identified digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and ship repair, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investment and marine environmental protection as priority areas for collaboration.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s improved maritime security, noting that the country has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters over the past four years, with significant progress also made across the Gulf of Guinea. He attributed the achievement to sustained surveillance efforts, regional cooperation and the deployment of the Deep Blue assets.
Dr. Oyetola also sought China’s support in tackling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through satellite-based monitoring technologies and joint enforcement operations. He emphasised the need to harness fisheries and aquatic resources as a major pillar of Nigeria’s expanding blue economy strategy.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment by both countries to advance technical cooperation, strengthen maritime ties and finalise the forthcoming MoU expected to define new areas of collaboration.
