China has pledged to lend technical support for the modernisation and automation of Nigeria’s seaports, a move that underscores a strengthening maritime partnership between the two nations. According to the announcement, the commitment came from China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr Li Yang, during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola.
Under the agreement, China will help Nigeria transition from manual or semi-automated port operations to more advanced, fully digitalised systems. This includes modern cargo-handling equipment, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes, and smart maritime communications.
Beyond hardware and infrastructure, China said it would also support capacity building. That includes offering maritime education and training opportunities for Nigerian youth, helping to build local expertise in port operations, shipbuilding and repair, inland-waterway development, seafarer training, and broader blue-economy investments.
The planned upgrades align with Nigeria’s broader seaport reform efforts. The government has already approved US $1 billion for modernising its busiest ports, including Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port to boost cargo handling capacity, reduce turnaround times, and implement a paperless, technology-driven port system aimed at curbing corruption and boosting efficiency.
Minister Oyetola stressed that these Lagos-area upgrades are just part of a 10-year national plan. He said the government has initiated processes to extend modernisation efforts to ports outside Lagos, underlining a vision for a more integrated maritime infrastructure across the country.
Analysts say improved port automation and modern infrastructure are crucial. They note that poorly functioning ports, plagued by congestion, delays, and outdated systems can cripple trade and business. Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) estimates that such inefficiencies cost Nigerian businesses as much as N2.5 trillion annually.
By digitising port operations and streamlining cargo and customs processes, Nigeria could significantly reduce delays, lower shipping and logistic costs, and make the country more competitive in global and regional trade flows under frameworks like African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
If successfully implemented, the port upgrades could slash logistics costs, cut vessel turnaround times from days to hours, and unlock faster trade flow, making Nigeria more competitive under AfCFTA. Reduced delays and lower operational costs may attract foreign investors and boost trade, strengthening the country’s blue-economy and overall GDP growth.
