Abuja, Nigeria— The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration in the development of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
This was made known when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the envoy, Oyetola praised the long-standing bilateral relations between both nations, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial and central to economic growth. He emphasized that Nigeria, with its 853 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways stretching over 10,000 kilometres, is well-positioned to serve as a hub for maritime trade, logistics, and investment across Africa.
Highlighting Nigeria’s rich maritime resources, the Minister underscored the sector’s vast potential in shipping, port operations, aquaculture, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure. He noted that the Blue Economy, if strategically harnessed, could generate wealth, create employment, and foster sustainable development.
“Our ministry is committed to putting the right investment framework in place. Nigeria also has much to learn from China’s successful marine and blue economy development model,” Oyetola said.
On his part, Ambassador Dunhai reiterated that his visit builds on the strong cooperation between both countries. He recalled that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Beijing a year ago, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, produced remarkable economic benefits in trade, infrastructure, and industrial growth.
The Ambassador cited the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed by China Harbour Engineering Company, as a prime example of successful Sino-Nigerian cooperation. He explained that the facility—Nigeria’s first deep seaport and one of the largest in West Africa—has boosted the nation’s capacity to handle ultra-large container vessels, reduced congestion at Lagos ports, and improved cargo clearance efficiency.
Dunhai further stressed that the project has generated thousands of jobs, enhanced Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade, and solidified the country’s status as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
The renewed partnership signals Nigeria’s determination to unlock the full potential of its marine and blue economy sector, leveraging China’s experience to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability.
By Makinde oyinkansola| September 4, 2025
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