The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, commissioned a new Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) multipurpose building at the University of Lagos.
The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories and specialised research facilities aimed at strengthening teaching, innovation and manpower development in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the commissioning on Thursday, Oyetola described the project as a critical step toward positioning the blue economy as a major driver of national growth.
“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 stressed that the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, noting that over 90 per cent of the country’s trade is conducted through maritime channels.
According to him, sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure is key to unlocking opportunities in shipping, fisheries, aquaculture and marine services.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to boost capacity, the minister disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in institutions across the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India and Romania. He added that 1,088 beneficiaries have so far obtained their Certificates of Competency.
Oyetola also pointed to the country’s growing demand for fish, estimated at 3.6 million metric tonnes annually, describing it as a significant opportunity for improving food security and generating employment.
On financing and industry support, he said the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) would strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and create jobs.
He added that ongoing port modernisation efforts are expected 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, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to deepen maritime manpower development.
He noted that building a skilled offshore workforce would reduce reliance on foreign expertise and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Mobereola added that the partnership between NIMASA and the University of Lagos would strengthen research capacity, support data-driven policymaking and produce industry-ready professionals.
Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility would enhance teaching, research and professional training in key areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics and marine environmental studies.
She said the institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research that will contribute to national development.
Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged continued collaboration in advancing maritime education and capacity building.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies has grown into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the new facility will further strengthen the sector’s growth trajectory.
