By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening security within the nation’s maritime sector, following a high-level engagement with the Chinese Consulate in Lagos aimed at deepening cooperation on port security and trade facilitation.
CP Agbaminoja made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, where she held discussions with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing, and other officials on measures to enhance the safety of port operations, protect foreign investments, and promote a secure environment for maritime commerce.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to build stronger partnerships with key stakeholders operating within Nigeria’s ports and logistics corridors, especially members of the international business community whose activities contribute significantly to the country’s trade and economic growth.
Receiving the Police Commissioner, Consul General Yan Yuqing commended the initiative and underscored the importance of sustained engagement between the Chinese Consulate and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in view of the growing volume of Chinese investments and commercial activities within Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sectors.
During the meeting, both parties deliberated on issues of mutual interest, with particular focus on port security, maritime security, and the protection of Chinese nationals and businesses operating in and around Nigeria’s seaports.
CP Agbaminoja reiterated that the Ports Authority Police Command remains resolute in its responsibility of safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure and ensuring that the nation’s ports continue to function in a secure and efficient manner.
She emphasized that the command is intensifying efforts to combat criminal activities capable of disrupting port operations while working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the overall security architecture of the ports.
According to her, a secure maritime environment is essential for attracting investment, facilitating trade, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The discussions also explored opportunities for improved information sharing between the police and the Chinese business community, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative approaches to addressing emerging security threats that could affect port operations and international trade.
Industry observers note that growing cooperation between security agencies and foreign business interests has become increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to expand its role in global maritime trade while improving the ease of doing business at its ports.
Speaking during the engagement, the Chinese Consul General expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, in maintaining law and order within the port environment and ensuring the safety of port users, foreign investors, and expatriates.
Yan Yuqing noted that the security of business operations remains critical to sustaining investor confidence and economic growth, adding that the Chinese Consulate is committed to strengthening collaboration with Nigerian authorities in promoting peace, security, and mutually beneficial economic relations.
The meeting is expected to further consolidate existing ties between the Ports Authority Police Command and the Chinese diplomatic and business community, at a time when Nigeria is seeking greater foreign direct investment and improved efficiency within its maritime sector.
