Listen to story here
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital, infrastructure, and institutional collaboration.
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.
During the event, Oyetola urged the Institute to build strong synergy with key maritime and research institutions, including the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), to create a cohesive ecosystem for manpower development in the sector.
Describing the project as a milestone, Oyetola said it reflects government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a 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 noted that with over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade conducted through maritime channels, the sector remains critical to economic diversification, job creation and sustainable development.
Highlighting manpower development efforts, the Minister disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in countries such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries already earning Certificates of Competency.
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.
He further outlined key initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and generate up to 30,000 jobs. He added that ongoing port modernisation projects could create about 20,000 jobs while improving efficiency, reducing turnaround time and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed that the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime manpower development.
He noted that the NIMASA–UNILAG collaboration will boost research, support data-driven policymaking and produce industry-ready professionals, adding that NIMASA is contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic agenda due to the far-reaching benefits of the investment.
“NIMASA remains commitment to capacity building in the maritime sector. Through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) NIMASA has trained 2427 young Nigerians with global best maritime training across institutions worldwide,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, noted that the institute has produced over 2000 graduates and over 400 candidates have registered for the current academic session.
Stressing that the Institute is positioned as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research to support national development, the Vice Chancellor stated that the facility will enhance teaching, research and professional training in maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics and marine environmental studies.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government’s support and pledged continued collaboration in advancing maritime manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG, has evolved into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.
