By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The management of Lekki Port has reinforced its commitment to human capital development through a strategic partnership with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, culminating in an international training programme in China for selected staff aimed at boosting technical expertise, operational efficiency, and global best practices in port management.
As part of efforts to cascade the knowledge gained, the port organised a Knowledge Sharing Session on April 10, 2026, at its facility in Lagos. The session provided a platform for participants of the China training programme to share insights and experiences, highlighting how the exposure has broadened their professional perspectives and equipped them with practical tools to enhance operational performance and drive innovation within the organisation.
The training programme offered participants firsthand exposure to China’s advanced port infrastructure, cutting-edge technological systems, and integrated industrial ecosystem. Attendees gained critical insights into efficient logistics operations, innovation-driven processes, and the deployment of modern technologies in port administration—key elements that underpin the success of leading global maritime hubs.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, commended the Chinese Consulate for its sustained support and for facilitating access to high-impact training opportunities that have significantly enhanced the competence and global exposure of the port’s workforce. He noted that the initiative underscores the organisation’s dedication to fostering public-private partnerships, encouraging cross-cultural exchange, and ensuring continuous workforce development in line with evolving industry demands.
According to him, collaboration remains central to Lekki Port’s operational philosophy, with cultural exchange serving as a critical component of its growth strategy. He reaffirmed the port’s commitment to sustaining such programmes, noting that more staff would be given opportunities to participate in similar international training initiatives in the future.
Also speaking, the Consul General of China in Nigeria, Yan Yuqing, described the programme as a reflection of China’s broader commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through capacity building and knowledge exchange. She emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in China-Africa relations, noting that such initiatives are designed to deepen institutional ties while fostering mutual learning.
Yuqing explained that beyond technical training, the programme serves as a cultural bridge, enabling participants to gain a deeper understanding of China’s development trajectory, innovation landscape, and societal values. She added that participants are expected to act as ambassadors of China-Nigeria cooperation, applying acquired knowledge to drive growth and transformation within their respective organisations.
One of the beneficiaries, Mattew Oloyede, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the experience as both enlightening and transformative. He noted that exposure to advanced port operations, structured systems, and cutting-edge technologies would significantly enhance process efficiency, teamwork, and service delivery at Lekki Port.
The initiative, stakeholders say, aligns with Lekki Port’s broader vision of positioning itself as a leading maritime hub in Africa. By leveraging global partnerships and investing in human capital, the port continues to strengthen its operational capacity and competitiveness within the international maritime ecosystem.
