In a move to deepen cooperation in the blue economy sector, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Thursday received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Oyetola commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as mutually beneficial and pivotal to the economic growth of both nations.
He noted that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime resources, is strategically positioned to become a hub for marine trade, logistics, and investment in Africa.
Oyetola, while speaking highlighted Nigeria’s maritime endowments, stating that the country’s 853 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, its vast inland waterways spanning over 10,000 kilometres, and the abundant marine biodiversity that supports aquaculture, fishing.
He noted that the other blue economy activities hold immense potential for shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure development.
According to him, The marine and blue economy sector is a frontier for wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable development if properly harnessed.
“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 stated.
He added that Nigeria’s vast fisheries resources could support food security while contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
The minister also expressed the government’s desire to collaborate with China in tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which undermines Nigeria’s economic and food security.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen its bilateral relations with China, particularly in marine resource management, port development, and capacity building.
Earlier, Dunhai noted that his visit to the Ministry was in furtherance of the strong partnership between China and Nigeria.
He recalled that it has been exactly one year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
That visit, he emphasised, has produced significant economic benefits for both nations, including deepened cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development.
“Marine and blue economy is the future, and that is why I am here today,” Ambassador Dubai said, lauding Nigeria’s vast maritime endowment and reaffirming China’s readiness to support Nigeria in harnessing its marine and blue economy potential.
The Ambassador particularly highlighted the Lekki Deep Seaport, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, as a shining example of Sino-Nigerian collaboration. He noted that the port, Nigeria’s first deep seaport and one of the largest in West Africa, is capable of handling ultra-large container vessels and significantly boosting Nigeria’s trade volume.
He stressed that the project has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, eased congestion at Lagos ports, ensured faster cargo clearance, and positioned Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
He added that the port is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue over its concession period, making it a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ambassador Yu further revealed that an agreement is in the works for the export of Nigerian aquacultural products to China, which will open new markets for local producers and strengthen food trade ties between the two nations.
He disclosed that China has already approved zero tariffs on Nigeria’s aquaculture exports to the Chinese market, a move he described as a testament to China’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to building on the solid foundation of China–Nigeria relations, with Minister Oyetola expressing optimism that new avenues of collaboration would emerge from the engagement.
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