The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has urged stronger alignment between federal, state, and global climate strategies to unlock billions of dollars in private capital for Nigeria’s growing Blue Economy.
Speaking at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit (LICCS), held from November 6–7, 2025 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the NCSP Director-General represented by Mr Taiwo Ajetunmobi, Head of Investment Management commended Lagos State for leading subnational climate action and setting a continental benchmark for sustainable growth.
Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money; Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” convened policymakers, investors, climate experts, and development partners to explore innovative financing for ocean-based and climate-resilient projects.
Highlighting Lagos’s 180-kilometre coastline and dynamic private sector, the Director-General identified the state as a natural leader in Nigeria’s Blue Economy transformation. He cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a prime example of effective federal–state collaboration that attracted over $1 billion in private equity investment, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.
“Investors look for three things policy coherence, regulatory predictability, and project bankability. When these align, private capital follows,” he stated.
“By synchronizing federal vision with subnational execution, Lagos can unlock billions in blended finance for coastal resilience and sustainable infrastructure.”
He further outlined Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models such as Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT), Design–Build–Finance–Operate (DBFO), and Lease–Develop–Operate (LDO), urging reforms to standardize processes, improve transparency, and strengthen institutional capacity.
NCSP DG also highlighted China’s growing role as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s Blue Economy, noting investor interest in waste-to-energy, solar-powered cold-chain, and water transport projects.
“China leads globally in clean energy and marine infrastructure. With transparent, commercially viable frameworks, Lagos can attract long-term equity partnerships that deliver real value to its people,” he added.
He called for unified action among stakeholders: “The tide of opportunity is rising and Lagos must rise with it. By aligning state, federal, and global strategies, we can turn Nigeria’s maritime potential into real wealth and shared prosperity.”
The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting projects that strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience and solidify Lagos’s position as Africa’s hub for sustainable Blue Economy innovation.
About The Author
