Nigeria and China Launch $2 Billion Maritime Strategy to Boost Local Shipping and Create Thousands of Jobs
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The Federal Government of Nigeria is partnering with China on a bold new maritime strategy designed to unlock over $2 billion in shipping investments, support local ownership of vessels, and establish Nigeria as a major maritime hub in West Africa.
The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, was officially unveiled at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. It’s a result of joint efforts between the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) and the Global Investment Advisory Community (GIAc), with local implementation by Anabel Capital.
At its core, the strategy aims to empower Nigerian shipping companies by giving them access to capital and connecting them directly with Chinese shipbuilders, chartering firms, and financial institutions. The plan also includes investments in training facilities, modern learning vessels, and technical education to prepare a new generation of seafarers.
According to the economic roadmap, the initiative is expected to:
- Attract $2 billion in vessel investments
- Secure $20 billion in freight contracts for Nigerian-owned operators
- Allocate $200 million to maritime training programs
- Fund $50 million for acquiring training vessels
- Create over 2,000 maritime jobs annually
- Train 25,000 internationally certified Nigerian seafarers
Describing the plan as a “game changer,” Minister Oyetola emphasized that the strategy directly supports the Ministry’s vision to reform the marine sector, build local capacity, and reduce foreign dependency in vessel ownership. He also highlighted the importance of strong public-private partnerships to ensure long-term success.
Top stakeholders in attendance included Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); Mr. Joseph Tegbe, DG of NCSP; Dr. Nicholas Okoye, CEO of Anabel Capital; and Ms. Lela Omo-Ikirodah, Project Manager at NCSP.
This strategy marks a key step in turning international diplomacy into real economic opportunities—especially for young Nigerians—and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national development.
