Nigeria And China To Unlock £1.5 Billion In Maritime Investment.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China, is set to unlock £1.5 billion (approximately $2 billion) in maritime investments under the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) strategy. Announced on 5 August 2025, this landmark initiative aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s maritime sector, enhancing infrastructure, boosting trade, and creating thousands of jobs across the country.
The NCSP, led by Director-General Joseph Tegbe, is spearheading efforts to modernise Nigeria’s maritime industry, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The investments will focus on upgrading port facilities, enhancing maritime logistics, and developing cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency. Key projects include the expansion of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, a vital hub for West African trade, and the integration of digital systems to streamline port operations, reducing delays and costs for businesses.
Mr. Tegbe, speaking at a high-level inter-ministerial meeting in Abuja, emphasised the transformative potential of the partnership. “These investments will position Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse in Africa, facilitating trade and driving economic growth,” he said. The initiative builds on the success of previous Nigeria-China collaborations, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was funded by a £1.1 billion Chinese investment and commissioned in 2023. The NCSP is also exploring partnerships with Chinese firms like China Harbour Engineering Company to further develop coastal infrastructure.
The maritime sector is critical to Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to its £310 billion GDP. With bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reaching £17.8 billion in 2024, the new investments are expected to address bottlenecks, such as outdated port facilities and inefficient logistics, which have hindered trade efficiency. Social media reactions on X have been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the move as a “game-changer for Nigeria’s economy” and a step towards reducing reliance on oil exports.
This partnership is part of a broader strategy to deepen Nigeria-China relations, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. The NCSP is coordinating with ministries and private sector stakeholders to ensure swift implementation, with projects expected to commence by early 2026. As Nigeria aims to become Africa’s industrial and trade hub, these maritime investments signal a bold step towards sustainable economic development.