The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commissioned a new multipurpose building for the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) at University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, features modern lecture halls, laboratories and specialised research infrastructure aimed at enhancing teaching, innovation and capacity development in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Oyetola described the project as a milestone in the government’s efforts to build institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key driver of national growth.
He stressed that the sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic diversification, noting that over 90 per cent of the country’s trade is conducted through maritime channels.
“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,” the minister said.
Oyetola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have benefited from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), receiving training in maritime institutions across countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India and Romania. According to him, 1,088 participants have earned their Certificates of Competency.
He also highlighted opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, stating that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant prospects for food security, employment and economic expansion.
The minister further revealed that the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs. In addition, ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to generate about 20,000 jobs while improving efficiency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.
In his remarks, Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to enhance maritime manpower development.
Mobereola noted that the partnership between NIMASA and UNILAG would strengthen research capabilities, support data-driven policymaking and produce industry-ready professionals for the evolving maritime landscape.
Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility would significantly boost academic and professional training in maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics and marine environmental studies.
She added that the institute is well-positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research in support of national development.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to advance maritime manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a key centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from the maritime industry and academia.
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