Maritime Port at Apapa. Photo credit: WebDeal to boost indigenous shipping, aquaculture exports, seafarer training, and port development
Nigeria and China have taken a bold step toward transforming Africa’s maritime landscape with the signing of a $2 billion investment pact, alongside fresh commitments to deepen cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector.
The landmark agreement, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, is designed to accelerate indigenous vessel ownership, expand aquaculture exports, and consolidate Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
According to projections, the initiative will deliver $2 billion in vessel investments, $20 billion in freight contracts for Nigerian operators, $200 million for maritime training, and $50 million for training vessels. It is also expected to generate over 2,000 new maritime jobs annually, while producing 25,000 globally certified Nigerian seafarers, a move industry experts say will boost local capacity and reduce dependence on foreign shipping.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigeria’s Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that the country’s vast maritime domain, spanning 853 kilometers of Atlantic coastline and more than 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways, remains one of its greatest untapped resources.
“Our ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership. Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s marine and blue economy model, and this collaboration marks a turning point in how we harness our maritime wealth for national prosperity,” Oyetola said.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, praised Nigeria’s strategic maritime position and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties. He pointed to the Lekki Deep Seaport, built by China Harbour Engineering Company, as a “shining example” of successful Sino-Nigerian cooperation.
The Lekki port, already operational, can accommodate ultra-large container vessels, significantly easing congestion at Lagos ports while boosting Nigeria’s trade volumes. According to Ambassador Yu, the facility has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs and positioned Nigeria as a critical maritime gateway for the region.
In a breakthrough for local producers, Yu also announced that China has approved zero tariffs on Nigerian aquaculture exports. This, he explained, will open new markets for Nigeria’s fish and seafood products, deepen food trade links, and create fresh revenue streams for small-scale and industrial farmers.
“The opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy are immense, and China is ready to partner with Nigeria in unlocking them,” the Ambassador stated.
The cooperation, analysts note, goes beyond port and shipping development to cover sectors such as fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure. Both countries reaffirmed their determination to build on the solid foundation of existing relations, with Oyetola expressing optimism that new avenues of collaboration will continue to emerge.
“This partnership will not only create jobs and attract investment but also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity as a global maritime player,” Oyetola declared.
With the combined weight of China’s proven expertise in maritime development and Nigeria’s abundant natural endowments, stakeholders believe this partnership could redefine Africa’s marine economy and open up a new era of prosperity for millions of Nigerians.
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