Economy
China Pledges Support For Nigeria’s Port Modernisation, Automation Projects
China Pledges Support For Nigeria’s Port Modernisation, Automation Projects
The government of the People’s Republic of China has pledged to support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise and automate operations at its seaports through through strong technical and diplomatic push which signal the deepening partnership between the two countries in the maritime sector.
This was revealed in a statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the commitment was made by the China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr Li Yang on behalf of the government during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, 24 November 2025, on the sidelines of maritime engagements in London.
Mr Li Yang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a fully dedicated ministry, describing the decision as a transformative step for Nigeria’s maritime future.
According to him, China currently operates 52 fully automated ports which is among the highest number globally adding that the country has the capacity, experience and technological expertise to support Nigeria as it transitions from manual and semi-automated systems to a fully digitalised port environment.
He further explained that, China’s automated ports have enhanced trade efficiency, drastically reduced vessel turnaround time, strengthened security through smart surveillance, and minimised human error using integrated digital platforms.
He said a similar approach, adapted to Nigeria’s specific needs, could unlock new levels of competitiveness for Africa’s largest economy.
He reiterated that, China is ready to assist Nigeria in deploying smart port infrastructure, cargo-handling automation, digital gate systems, electronic customs processes, and advanced maritime communication technologies.
He further reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election scheduled for Friday, 28 November. He commended the longstanding cordial relationship between both nations, noting that Nigeria has remained one of China’s strongest partners in Africa.
Mr Li Yang expressed satisfaction with the presence of numerous Chinese companies operating in Nigeria’s rail, road and port construction sectors, adding that such cooperation has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s infrastructural development.
The statement further informed that, in addition to technical support, the Chinese Vice Minister of Transport announced China’s willingness to extend maritime education and capacity-building opportunities to young Nigerians.
According to him, the opportunities include scholarships under China’s specialised maritime training scheme and participation in the Global Innovation in Transport Programme, a four-week intensive training programme designed to equip participants with cutting-edge industry knowledge.
He also extended an invitation to Dr Oyetola to attend China’s Sustainable Transport Summit scheduled for next year and revealed that a draft Memorandum of Understanding is being prepared to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation between both countries.
Responding, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership and its pledge to back Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, assuring that Nigeria would reciprocate the goodwill.
He highlighted Nigeria’s desire to deepen technical collaboration with China in several strategic areas, including port digitalisation, maritime safety, shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and maritime environmental protection.
Oyetola reaffirmed that Nigeria’s waters have recorded zero piracy incidents in the last four years, with significant improvements also noted across the Gulf of Guinea.
He attributed the progress to sustained surveillance, regional cooperation and the deployment of the Deep Blue security assets.
He sought China’s support in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through modern monitoring technologies, satellite-based tracking systems and joint enforcement initiatives.
He also called for Chinese support in developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resources, identifying it as a major pillar of the country’s blue economy expansion strategy.
The meeting was concluded with mutual commitments to strengthen maritime ties, advance technical cooperation and work towards signing the forthcoming bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will define new areas of collaboration between both nations.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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