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China Pledges Support For Nigeria’s Port Modernisation, Automation Projects

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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.

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Economy

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

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Terrorists Alternative Government Under Tinubu

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.

He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.

“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

 

Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.

He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

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Maritime Growth

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials

As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.

The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.

He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.

Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.

“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.

“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.

“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.

The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.

“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.

“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Maritime Growth

Ibom Deep SeaPort

On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.

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Crime

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.

Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.

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