By Atoyebi Nike
China has promised to support Nigeria’s drive to modernize and automate operations across its seaports. The commitment came from China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, during a meeting with Marine and Blue Economy Minister Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola in London.
Li said China would assist Nigeria with port digitalization, maritime technology, and capacity-building programmes, adding that young Nigerians would benefit from specialized training opportunities. He also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council election scheduled for 28 November.
Oyetola outlined Nigeria’s priorities, which include safer waterways, shipbuilding and repair, seafarer development, blue economy investments, and stronger environmental protection. Both sides agreed to pursue a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding to formalize cooperation.
Nigeria recently approved $1 billion to modernize the Apapa and TinCan Island ports. The upgrades aim to boost cargo handling efficiency, expand capacity and introduce a paperless, technology-driven port system that cuts delays and reduces corruption.
