Nigeria’s push to unlock the vast promise of its blue economy gained fresh momentum on Thursday as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commissioned a landmark Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building at University of Lagos.
The unveiling of the facility marked a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s strategy to deepen human capital development and strengthen institutional capacity within the maritime ecosystem.
Delivered through the intervention of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the edifice is designed to serve as a catalyst for innovation, research and high level professional training.
Equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories and specialised learning infrastructure, the centre is positioned to bridge the gap between academia and industry needs in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Oyetola described the project as a bold statement of intent, signalling government’s determination to elevate the blue economy as a cornerstone of national development.
He declared that the future of the sector would be shaped not merely by ocean resources, but by the quality of skilled manpower produced through forward looking institutions.
According to him, with over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade dependent on maritime channels, the sector remains central to economic diversification, job creation and sustainable growth.
The minister disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have so far benefitted from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, undergoing training across leading maritime institutions in Europe and Asia.
He added that 1,088 of the beneficiaries have already secured their Certificates of Competency, strengthening the nation’s pool of certified maritime professionals.
Oyetola further spotlighted the enormous potential within fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents vast opportunities for employment and food security.
He revealed that plans to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund are at an advanced stage, with projections that the initiative could generate up to 30,000 jobs and boost indigenous shipping capacity.
In addition, ongoing port modernisation projects are expected to create about 20,000 jobs while enhancing operational efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround time and positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in the sub region.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and global partners including World Maritime University to scale up manpower development.
He stressed that building a skilled offshore workforce would reduce dependence on foreign expertise, enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and create sustainable employment pathways for young professionals.
Mobereola added that the partnership with University of Lagos would drive research excellence, support data driven policy formulation and produce industry ready graduates.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, said the facility would significantly enhance teaching and professional training across maritime law, shipping management, port operations and marine environmental studies.
She noted that the institute is strategically positioned to evolve into a hub for interdisciplinary research and innovation that will contribute meaningfully to national development.
Also speaking, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government for its sustained support and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing maritime education.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies has steadily grown into a strategic platform for capacity development, shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime workforce.
The commissioning ceremony attracted key stakeholders from government, academia and the maritime industry, underscoring a shared resolve to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.