The initiative reflects the Tinubu administration’s growing emphasis on the ocean economy as another potential source of national wealth and economic diversification.

One of the administration’s major institutional changes after taking office was the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, giving the sector dedicated representation at the federal level.

The government believes Nigeria’s maritime resources could contribute substantially to economic growth if supported by investment, modern technology, reliable data and appropriate policies.

Ibrahim also used the Beijing meeting to advocate greater multilateral cooperation in tackling climate change and ensuring the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources.

He proposed that countries attempting to develop their marine economies should have access to zero-interest financing from the International Monetary Fund.

Such financing, he argued, could enable developing countries to invest in the infrastructure and capabilities required to benefit economically from their marine resources without adding significantly to their debt burden.

Nigeria has an extensive coastline and significant maritime resources, but translating those resources into sustainable economic activity will require investment in infrastructure, technology, environmental management and maritime governance.

The proposed cooperation with China therefore signals an attempt by the Tinubu administration to position international partnerships as part of its strategy for expanding Nigeria’s blue economy.