Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties on Maritime Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have pledged to deepen cooperation in the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the envoy, Oyetola commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between both nations, describing it as mutually beneficial and crucial to their economic advancement.
He stressed that China remains a strategic partner to Nigeria in its quest to harness the vast potential of its maritime resources.
“Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime endowments, is well-positioned to become a hub for marine trade, logistics, and investment in Africa,” the minister said.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s maritime resources, including its 853-kilometre stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and abundant biodiversity that supports aquaculture, fisheries, and other blue economy activities.
According to him, these natural advantages provide enormous opportunities for investment and growth if adequately harnessed.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria is keen on learning from China’s advancements in marine infrastructure, shipping, port modernization, and blue economy innovations, adding that partnership with Beijing would boost the country’s efforts in job creation, food security, and sustainable economic growth.
On his part, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening its marine economy, pledging greater collaboration in infrastructure development, technology transfer, and capacity building.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would further solidify the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The meeting, according to officials, marks a renewed phase of cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s drive to reposition the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
