By Obiabin Onukwugha
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sought China’s support for Nigeria’s fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through the provision of modern monitoring tools, satellite tracking and joint enforcement efforts.
According to the Minister, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters over the last four years, with similar improvements across the Gulf of Guinea due to enhanced surveillance, regional partnerships and the deployment of the Deep Blue security assets.
Oyetola made the call during a bilateral meeting with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr Li Yang, on the sidelines of the Maritime Engagements in London, on Monday.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the minister pointed out that addressing IUU fishing is central to Nigeria’s blue economy expansion strategy, noting that stronger technological collaboration with China would help protect fisheries, improve coastal livelihoods and boost maritime security.
Oyetola appreciated China’s continued support, including its pledge to back Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, highlighting Nigeria’s interest in expanding cooperation with China in port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and repair, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and maritime environmental protection.
China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr Li Yang reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election scheduled for Friday, 28 November, and commended the warm, longstanding partnership between the two countries.
He expressed China’s readiness to assist Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, automated cargo-handling systems, digital gate controls, electronic customs processes, and advanced maritime communication technologies.
Li Yang revealed that China operates 52 fully automated ports, making it among the highest globally, saying his country possesses the expertise required to guide Nigeria’s transition from manual port operations to a fully digitalised system.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a standalone ministry, describing the move as a transformative step for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
