- China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang (left) and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during a bilateral meeting in London on Monday.
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The People’s Republic of China has pledged strong technical and diplomatic support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise and automate operations at its seaports, signalling a deepening partnership between both countries in the maritime sector.
China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, made the commitment on behalf of his government yesterday during a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on the sidelines of maritime engagements in London, according to the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
Noting that China currently operates 52 fully automated ports, Yang stated that the country has the capacity, experience and technological expertise to support Nigeria as it transitions from manual and semi-automated systems to a fully digitalised port environment.
He explained that China’s automated ports have enhanced trade efficiency, drastically reduced vessel turnaround time, strengthened security through smart surveillance, and minimised human error using integrated digital platforms, adding that a similar approach adapted to Nigeria’s specific needs could unlock new levels of competitiveness for Africa’s largest economy.
According to him, China stands ready to assist Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes, and advanced maritime communication technologies.
He further reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election coming up on November 28, while commending the longstanding cordial relationship between both nations.
Meanwhile, Yang commended the presence of numerous Chinese companies in Nigeria’s rail, road and port construction sectors, stating that such cooperation has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s infrastructural development.
In addition to technical support, he announced China’s willingness to extend maritime education and capacity-building opportunities to 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 training programme designed to equip participants with cutting-edge industry knowledge.
He also invited Oyetola to China’s Sustainable Transport Summit scheduled for next year, stating that a draft Memorandum of Understanding was being prepared to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation between both countries.
On his part, Oyetola commended China’s continued partnership and its pledge to back Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, assuring that Nigeria would reciprocate the goodwill. He highlighted Nigeria’s desire to deepen technical collaboration with China in several strategic areas, including port digitalisation and maritime safety.
Others include shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and maritime environmental protection.
Oyetola sought China’s support in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through modern monitoring technologies, satellite-based tracking systems and joint enforcement initiatives.
He further called for Chinese support in developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resources, identifying it as a major pillar of the country’s blue economy expansion strategy.
