China has pledged technical and diplomatic support to Nigeria as the country seeks to modernise and automate its seaports, signaling a deepening partnership in the maritime sector. The commitment was made by China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in London.

Li Yang praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a transformative step for Nigeria’s maritime future. He highlighted China’s experience operating 52 fully automated ports and offered to assist Nigeria in implementing smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes, and advanced maritime communication technologies.

China also offered maritime education and training opportunities for young Nigerians, including scholarships and participation in international programmes such as the Global Innovation in Transport Programme. A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being prepared to formalise bilateral cooperation.

Oyetola welcomed the support and highlighted Nigeria’s goals for deeper technical collaboration in areas such as port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and repair, inland waterways development, fisheries, and environmental protection. He also requested China’s assistance in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing using modern monitoring and satellite tracking systems.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen maritime ties, enhance technical cooperation, and finalise the forthcoming MoU, paving the way for a new era of partnership between China and Nigeria in the maritime and blue economy sectors.