Nigeria, China Boost Cooperation on Marine and Blue Economy Development

Nigeria’s move to deepen cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector of the economy recorded a boost on Thursday when Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the envoy, the Minister, Oyetola lauded 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.

A statement dated September 04, 2025, signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser, Media and Communications, to the Honourable Minister Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, obtained by our correspondent stated that the Minister spoke extensively about Nigeria’s maritime endowments.

Oyetola highlighted 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, and other blue economy activities.

He explained that Nigeria’s maritime domain holds 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.