The federal government has reinforced its commitment to developing Nigeria’s blue economy with the commissioning of a new maritime training facility at the University of Lagos.
In line with this, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday unveiled the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building, a project funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to boost manpower development in the sector.
Describing the facility as a strategic investment, Oyetola said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to position the maritime sector as a key pillar of economic growth, job creation, and national development.
“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.
The newly commissioned building is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised training facilities designed to support teaching, research, and innovation in maritime-related fields.
Oyetola noted that the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economy, with over 90 per cent of the country’s trade conducted through maritime channels. He added that strengthening human capital is essential to unlocking the full potential of the industry.
Highlighting ongoing capacity-building efforts, the minister disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have benefited from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, with training undertaken in countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania. According to him, 1,088 participants have already obtained their Certificates of Competency.
Beyond manpower development, the minister pointed to broader opportunities within the blue economy, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture, where Nigeria’s estimated annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant room for growth.
He also outlined key government initiatives expected to stimulate the sector, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is projected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
In addition, ongoing port modernisation projects are expected to generate about 20,000 jobs while improving efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.
Director.General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international partners, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime education and workforce development.
He emphasised that building a skilled offshore workforce would reduce reliance on foreign expertise while improving Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, described the facility as a major boost to academic and professional training, noting that it will support programmes in maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the federal government’s support and pledged continued collaboration to advance maritime capacity development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a key centre for maritime education in Nigeria and across Africa, with the new facility expected to further enhance its role in shaping the future of the industry.