President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the People’s Republic of China to establish a strategic partnership with Nigeria on geophysical data sharing and technical cooperation aimed at unlocking the country’s marine resources.
Tinubu said Nigeria was not seeking aid from China but was interested in a partnership that would enable both countries to develop technical capacity and harness opportunities within Nigeria’s marine economy.
The President’s call was disclosed during discussions involving Nigeria’s relationship with China and the potential for greater cooperation in marine-resource development.
Nigeria seeks technical partnership
The proposed cooperation would centre on the sharing and utilisation of geophysical data, which can help identify and assess resources beneath the seabed.
Nigeria has significant maritime territory and has continued to explore ways to expand economic activity beyond traditional oil and gas operations.
The Tinubu administration has increasingly promoted partnerships designed to attract investment, technology and expertise into strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.
‘Nigeria is not seeking aid’
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s objective was not to seek financial assistance from China.
Instead, the President called for a strategic relationship based on technical cooperation, data sharing and the development of Nigeria’s capacity to exploit its marine resources.
The approach is consistent with the broader Nigeria-China relationship, which has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Marine economy opportunities
Geophysical data can play an important role in understanding offshore geological structures and identifying potential resources.
Greater technical cooperation could therefore support Nigeria’s efforts to expand its maritime economy, attract investment and develop new sources of revenue.
The proposal comes as the Federal Government continues to seek stronger international partnerships aimed at diversifying the Nigerian economy.