Oyetola Commissions NIMASA-UNILAG Maritime Institute to Boost Human Capital
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). This significant event reaffirms the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria's marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and critical infrastructure.
Modern Facility for Maritime Excellence
The newly commissioned facility, generously donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is equipped with state-of-the-art lecture rooms, advanced laboratories, and specialized facilities designed to support comprehensive teaching, cutting-edge research, and innovative activities within the maritime sector. Describing this project as a major milestone during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Oyetola emphasized that the initiative reflects the government's resolute determination to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key 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," the Minister declared. He further highlighted that with over 90 percent of Nigeria's trade conducted via maritime channels, the sector remains absolutely critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
Government Initiatives and Manpower Development
Outlining ongoing efforts to build robust maritime manpower, Oyetola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for specialized training in maritime institutions across several countries, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania. He added that 1,088 beneficiaries have successfully obtained their Certificates of Competency, marking significant progress in professional certification.
The Minister also pointed to substantial opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria's yearly fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents immense potential for enhancing food security and generating employment. He further detailed key government initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
Additionally, ongoing port modernization projects are projected 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."
Strategic Partnerships and Global Competitiveness
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, revealed that the agency is actively partnering with eight Nigerian universities, as well as prestigious international institutions including the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime manpower development. He stressed that building a skilled offshore workforce will enhance Nigeria's global competitiveness, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Mobereola noted that the strategic NIMASA–UNILAG partnership will significantly boost research capabilities, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals to meet the evolving demands in the dynamic maritime sector.
Academic Leadership and Innovation Hub
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, stated that the new facility will greatly enhance teaching, research, and professional training in critical areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies. She added that the Institute is strategically positioned to serve as a central hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research that will directly support national development objectives.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNILAG, Wole Olanipekun; the Director of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Prof. Abiodun Odukoya; and other prominent stakeholders from the maritime and academic communities.
