Nigeria and China have taken significant steps to deepen cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector, with fresh commitments to port development, aquaculture exports, and large-scale maritime investments.
The announcement followed a strategic meeting in Abuja on Thursday between Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Oyetola underscored Nigeria’s maritime strength, noting that the country boasts an 853-kilometer Atlantic coastline and more than 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways.
He highlighted opportunities in shipping, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure.
“Our ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership.
Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s model in the marine and blue economy, and we are ready to attract investments that will unlock jobs, trade, and growth,” Oyetola said.
Ambassador Yu praised Nigeria’s natural maritime assets and reaffirmed China’s readiness to support its development.
He spotlighted the Lekki Deep Seaport, built by China Harbour Engineering Company, as proof of what bilateral cooperation can deliver.
The Lekki Port, capable of handling ultra-large container vessels, has already reduced congestion at Lagos ports, boosted trade volumes, and created thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
It positions Nigeria as a regional shipping hub for West and Central Africa.
Yu also revealed that Nigeria’s aquaculture products will soon enjoy duty-free entry into the Chinese market under a zero-tariff agreement.
This, he said, would expand Nigeria’s export base and strengthen food trade between both nations.
In a separate but related development, Nigeria and China finalized a $2 billion maritime investment agreement aimed at strengthening indigenous vessel ownership and training local seafarers.
According to ministry projections, the programme will deliver:
$2bn worth of vessel investments
$20bn in freight contracts for Nigerian operators
$200m allocated for maritime training
$50m for training vessels
The deal is expected to create 2,000 new jobs annually, train 25,000 globally certified Nigerian seafarers, and strengthen the nation’s shipping ecosystem.
“This is a transformative step toward positioning Nigeria as Africa’s maritime hub.
Beyond infrastructure, this partnership invests in people, ensuring our youth can compete globally as seafarers and marine professionals,” Oyetola explained.
Nigeria’s blue economy strategy, championed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, seeks to diversify revenue sources, reduce reliance on crude oil, and unlock billions in untapped maritime opportunities.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) estimates that the global ocean economy could generate $3 trillion annually by 2030.
Nigeria, with its expansive waterways and strategic location, is positioning itself to benefit from this growth.
Experts say the China-Nigeria collaboration could open doors to foreign direct investment (FDI) in shipbuilding, marine technology, and logistics.
It could also improve Nigeria’s balance of trade, as aquaculture exports gain access to the world’s second-largest consumer market.
Industry analysts welcomed the developments, but urged Nigeria to prioritize sustainability.
Dr. Aminu Umar, a maritime economist, cautioned that port expansion and vessel acquisition must be complemented by environmental safeguards and efficient regulatory frameworks.
“China’s support is welcome, but Nigeria must ensure that investments also empower local operators, reduce logistics bottlenecks, and expand non-oil exports,” he said.
The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners also stressed the need for government to maintain transparency in the allocation of freight contracts and maritime training funds.
Nigeria and China have maintained strong economic ties over the years, with China financing and constructing critical infrastructure including railways, roads, and seaports.
Trade between both nations reached $23 billion in 2024, making China Nigeria’s largest trading partner.
The latest marine cooperation deal builds on that momentum and aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification plan. Ambassador Yu affirmed, “China sees Nigeria not only as a trading partner but as a strategic ally in Africa’s maritime future.”
With the $2bn maritime investment deal, zero-tariff aquaculture exports, and ongoing port upgrades, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key maritime hub on the continent.
The challenge, however, remains sustaining momentum.
Experts note that Nigeria must improve security on its waterways, reduce bureaucratic delays at ports, and implement policies that encourage private sector participation.
Still, the partnership with China offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to unlock its blue economy, create jobs, and expand global trade ties.
If sustained, it could mark a turning point for the nation’s marine sector and overall economic resilience.