The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has unveiled the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
He used the occasion to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure.
The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities to support teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola quoted Oyetola describing the project as a milestone.
The statement added that Oyetola said the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key driver of national prosperity.
“The future of the blue economy will be shaped not just by natural endowments, but by the quality of minds we nurture within institutions such as this,” he said.
He emphasised that with over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade conducted via maritime channels, the sector remains critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to build manpower just as he disclosed that no fewer than 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in maritime institutions across countries.
He disclosed that these include the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania.
He also revealed that no fewer than 1,088 beneficiaries have obtained their Certificates of Competency (CoC).
Oyetola also pointed to opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant potential for food security and employment.
According to him, key government initiatives including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) are expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs. The ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to generate up to 20,000 jobs for our teeming youths while significantly improving port efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities, as well as international institutions including the World Maritime University (WMU) to strengthen maritime manpower development.
He stressed that building a skilled offshore workforce will enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
He noted that the NIMASA–UNILAG partnership will boost research, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals to meet evolving demands in the maritime sector.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola said the new facility will enhance teaching, research, and professional training in areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.
The don noted that the institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research that will support national development.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in advancing manpower development in the maritime sector.
Established in 2013, IMS UNILAG has grown into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and the wider African region.
Not a few stakeholders in the maritime sector and the academic community attended the event.
