Nigeria has secured significant technical and diplomatic backing from China to revolutionize its seaport operations through comprehensive digitalization and automation. This landmark commitment emerged during high-level bilateral discussions between maritime officials from both nations.
China's Automated Port Expertise
During a meeting in London on November 24, 2025, China's Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, assured Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of China's readiness to share its extensive experience in port automation. China currently operates 52 fully automated ports, ranking among the global leaders in maritime technology.
Li Yang emphasized that China's automated systems have demonstrated remarkable improvements in trade efficiency, vessel turnaround times, and port security through smart surveillance technology. The integration of digital platforms has substantially reduced human error in port operations.
The Chinese official praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a decisive move toward transforming Nigeria's maritime landscape.
Comprehensive Cooperation Framework
China outlined multiple areas for collaboration, including:
- Smart port infrastructure development
- Cargo-handling automation systems
- Digital gate management
- Electronic customs procedures
- Advanced maritime communication technologies
China also reaffirmed its support for Nigeria's bid to join the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two countries. Additionally, China announced plans to expand maritime education opportunities for young Nigerians through scholarships and specialized training programs.
Chinese companies already play significant roles in Nigeria's rail, road, and port development sectors, and both nations are preparing a draft Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen maritime cooperation further.
Nigeria's Maritime Security Achievements
In response, Minister Oyetola expressed appreciation for China's continued partnership while highlighting Nigeria's improved maritime security record. Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters over the past four years, with similar progress observed across the Gulf of Guinea.
Oyetola credited this success to sustained surveillance efforts, regional partnerships, and the deployment of Deep Blue security assets. The minister identified several strategic areas for deeper collaboration:
- Port digitalization and automation
- Maritime safety and security
- Shipbuilding and repair
- Inland waterways development
- Seafarer training and capacity building
- Blue economy investments
- Environmental protection measures
Nigeria also sought China's assistance in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through satellite monitoring, enhanced tracking systems, and joint enforcement operations. Fisheries and aquatic resource development were identified as critical pillars of Nigeria's blue economy growth strategy.
Both countries concluded the meeting with commitments to strengthen maritime ties and advance technical cooperation, with plans to finalize the forthcoming MoU that will outline new areas of partnership.
