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President Bola Tinubu has invited China to partner with Nigeria through geophysical data sharing to unlock opportunities in the country’s marine economy.
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Nigeria says technology transfer and marine intelligence will deliver greater long-term economic value than traditional development assistance.
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The proposal aligns with the Tinubu administration’s plan to grow the blue economy through research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Aug 04, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has invited the People’s Republic of China to partner with Nigeria through the deployment and exchange of geophysical data across the country’s maritime domain, saying technology and innovation, rather than aid, hold the key to unlocking the nation’s blue economy.
The proposal was disclosed by Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations following a keynote address delivered by the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, at the United Nations Sustainable Development Workshop on High-quality Development of the Marine Economy in Beijing, China.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Ibrahim said Nigeria is seeking strategic partnerships that will strengthen marine research, improve geophysical intelligence, and accelerate sustainable economic growth through the development of the country’s vast ocean and coastal resources.
Technology over aid
According to the envoy, the President’s proposal reflects a shift towards knowledge-sharing, innovation, and technology transfer instead of conventional development assistance.
“President Bola Tinubu is offering China an open invitation for partnership through geophysical data and innovation rather than aid.
“The future prosperity of nations lies in harnessing the immense wealth of the oceans through knowledge, technology, and strategic cooperation,” Ibrahim said.
He added that access to geophysical and oceanographic data would help Nigeria make informed decisions on offshore resources, coastal development, shipping, fisheries, and marine environmental management, creating greater long-term economic value.
Blue economy strategy
Ibrahim said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy demonstrates the administration’s commitment to maximising opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Nigeria’s blue economy agenda seeks to increase value creation from shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy, marine tourism and other ocean-based industries while improving sustainability and environmental protection.
The envoy noted that stronger geophysical and marine data would support investment decisions, infrastructure planning and resource management across the sector.
He also urged the international community to embrace artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainable financing, and stronger global partnerships to unlock the economic potential of the world’s oceans.
China seen as strategic partner
Ibrahim commended China for its leadership in advancing the global marine economy and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in maritime development.
He also advocated innovative financing mechanisms to support developing countries in building resilient blue economy infrastructure and strengthening sustainable ocean governance.
According to the statement, Nigeria remains ready to collaborate with China and other international partners to develop a prosperous and sustainable global marine economy while positioning itself as a major maritime economy in Africa.
“The future is here; doing nothing is NOT an option,” Ibrahim said.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
