China tasks Nigeria on inland waterway capabilities

TConsul General of China in Lagos, Y an Yuqing, has emphasised the significance and capabilities of the inland waterway as a critical artery powering the regional economy and furthering the societal advancement of countries.

The consul general also highlighted the shared characteristics between China and Nigeria, such as significant river systems, extensive coastlines, and major seaports, suggesting these commonalities as a fertile ground for bilateral learning and cooperation in waterw ay management and marine conservation. She stated this at a maritime business roundtable breakfast meeting organised by Zoe Maritime Resources, themed, ‘ Security and New Technologies in Inland Waterways Transportation’. Yuqing emphasised the significance of the Changjiang River, not only as the world’s busiest inland waterway but as a critical arter y powering societal advancement in China.

She said in 2022 alone, China’s inland waterway transport managed a staggering freight volume exceeding 4.4 billion tonnes and achieved a goods turnover of 1.9 trillion tonne- kilometers. Yuqing pointed out that China’s leadership in this sector is not just a function of volume but also a concerted shift towards sustainability and ecological responsibility. She said with China establishing itself as the largest shipowning nation by gross tonnage and its maritime transport handling about 95 per cent of the country’s foreign trade volume, the potential for increased SinoNigerian maritime collaboration appears promising.

According to her, China’s maritime transportation network not only plays a crucial role in its own logistical needs but also the broader stability of global supply chains.