Nigeria and China have taken significant steps to strengthen their collaboration in the marine and blue economy sector, emphasizing sustainable growth and economic development.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, hosted the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to discuss advancing bilateral ties in this critical sector.
Strategic Importance of Nigeria’s Maritime Resources
Minister Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s vast maritime potential, citing its 853-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, over 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways, and rich marine biodiversity. These resources position Nigeria as a potential hub for marine trade, logistics, and investment in Africa. The minister emphasized the sector’s capacity to drive wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable development through activities such as shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure development.
Oyetola stressed the need for a robust framework to attract investment and expressed Nigeria’s interest in learning from China’s advanced marine and blue economy model. He also called for collaboration to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a threat to Nigeria’s economic and food security. Such efforts, he noted, would bolster food security and increase foreign exchange earnings through sustainable fisheries management.
China’s Commitment to Nigeria’s Maritime Growth
Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s marine and blue economy ambitions, describing the sector as a cornerstone of future economic growth. Reflecting on the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China a year prior, Dunhai noted that the visit had deepened cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development. A key example of this partnership is the Lekki Deep Seaport, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company. As Nigeria’s first deep seaport and one of the largest in West Africa, it can accommodate ultra-large container vessels, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s trade capacity.
The Lekki Deep Seaport has already created thousands of jobs, alleviated congestion at Lagos ports, and expedited cargo clearance, positioning Nigeria as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The port is projected to generate billions of dollars in revenue over its concession period, contributing substantially to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Expanding Trade Opportunities
Dunhai revealed that an agreement is in progress to facilitate the export of Nigerian aquacultural products to China, opening new markets for local producers.
Additionally, China has approved zero tariffs on Nigeria’s aquaculture exports, a move that underscores its commitment to deepening economic ties.
This initiative is expected to strengthen food trade relations and provide Nigerian producers with access to one of the world’s largest markets.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Development
Both nations expressed optimism about the future of their partnership. Oyetola emphasized that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy offers immense opportunities for investors, and collaboration with China would unlock new potential for wealth creation and sustainable development.
The meeting highlighted the marine and blue economy as a vital driver of economic growth and a cornerstone of the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.
This renewed commitment builds on decades of mutual cooperation, with both parties determined to explore new avenues for collaboration in marine resource management, port development, and capacity building.
As Nigeria seeks to harness its maritime endowments, China’s expertise and support will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.
