China Reaffirms Backing for Nigeria’s Port Modernisation, Automation Drive

By our Correspondent

The government of the People’s Republic of China has pledged its support for Nigeria’s ongoing seaport modernisation and automation efforts, signalling a deepening partnership between both countries in the maritime sector through strong technical and diplomatic collaboration.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr. Li Yang, made the commitment on behalf of his government during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, 24 November 2025, on the sidelines of maritime engagements in London.

Mr. Li Yang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a standalone ministry, describing the move as transformative for Nigeria’s maritime future.

He noted that China operates 52 fully automated ports—one of the highest figures globally—and has the capacity, experience and technological advantage to support Nigeria’s transition from manual and semi-automated port systems to a fully digitalised environment.

He explained that China’s automated ports have significantly boosted trade efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround time, enhanced security through smart surveillance, and minimised human error using integrated digital platforms. He added that a similar model, tailored to Nigeria’s needs, could raise the competitiveness of Africa’s largest economy.

He further reiterated China’s readiness to assist Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes and advanced maritime communication technologies.

The statement noted that the Chinese Vice Minister also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria ahead of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election scheduled for Friday, 28 November. He praised the longstanding cordial ties between both nations, stressing that Nigeria remains one of China’s strongest partners in Africa.

Mr. Li Yang also expressed satisfaction with the presence of numerous Chinese companies in Nigeria’s rail, road and port construction sectors, saying their work has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s infrastructure growth.

In addition to technical support, the statement revealed that China offered to expand maritime education and capacity-building opportunities for 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 initiative designed to equip participants with advanced industry knowledge.

He also invited Dr. Oyetola to next year’s Sustainable Transport Summit in China and announced that a draft Memorandum of Understanding is being prepared to strengthen maritime cooperation between both countries.

Responding, Minister Oyetola expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership and its backing of Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, assuring that Nigeria would reciprocate the gesture.

He highlighted Nigeria’s interest in expanding technical collaboration with China in port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and repair, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and environmental protection.

Oyetola reaffirmed that Nigeria’s waters have recorded zero piracy incidents in four years, with remarkable improvements across the Gulf of Guinea. He attributed the progress to sustained surveillance, regional collaboration and the deployment of Deep Blue security assets.

He sought China’s support in tackling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through modern monitoring technologies, satellite-based tracking and joint enforcement operations. He also appealed for assistance in developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resources, describing them as key pillars of the country’s blue economy growth strategy.

The meeting ended with both countries affirming their commitment to strengthen maritime ties, deepen technical cooperation and work towards signing the forthcoming bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will outline new areas of collaboration.