From Idu Jude, Abuja
Nigeria has opened fresh diplomatic and economic fronts with China in its quest to unlock the full potential of the marine and blue economy sector.
On Thursday, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in maritime development.
Oyetola described the Sino-Nigerian partnership as “mutually beneficial and pivotal to economic growth,” stressing that Nigeria’s extensive coastline and marine endowments positioned it as a natural hub for maritime trade and logistics in Africa.
“Nigeria has an 853-kilometre coastline, over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and rich marine biodiversity. These resources hold immense potential for shipping, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and port development. Our Ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership, and we believe that Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s marine and blue economy development model,” Oyetola said.
He added that beyond trade and port expansion, Nigeria is keen on partnering with China to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which undermines food security and revenue generation.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai, in his response, commended Nigeria’s growing commitment to the blue economy, noting that “marine and blue economy is the future, and that is why I am here today.”
He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China a year ago, which laid the foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and industry.
Highlighting concrete outcomes, the Ambassador pointed to the Lekki Deep Seaport—built by China Harbour Engineering Company—as a landmark achievement. “The port has created thousands of jobs, reduced congestion in Lagos ports, and positioned Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa. It is also expected to generate billions of dollars over its concession period,” he said.
Yu further disclosed that discussions were ongoing to boost Nigeria’s aquaculture exports to China. He revealed that Beijing had already approved zero tariffs on Nigerian aquaculture products, a move he described as proof of China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties.
Both parties expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in marine resource management, port infrastructure, fisheries, and capacity building. Oyetola concluded: “Nigeria’s marine and blue economy holds tremendous opportunities for investors, and with China’s cooperation, we are confident of unlocking this potential for the benefit of our people.”
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