The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Thursday inaugurated the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to advancing th sector through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure.
The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities to support teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
Describing the project as a milestone, Oyetola said the initiative reflected the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key driver of national prosperity.
According to him, 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 emphasised that with over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade conducted via maritime channels, the sector remains critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
Oyetola in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in maritime institutions across countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania.
He added that 1,088 beneficiaries have obtained their Certificates of Competency.
The minister also pointed to opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant potential for food security and employment.
Oyetola further outlined key government initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
He said that ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to “generate up to 20,000 jobs for our teeming youths.
The minister said this would significantly improve port efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.”
Similarly speaking, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities, as well as 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.
Om her part, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said the new facility would enhance teaching, research, and professional training in areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.
She added that the Institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research that will support national development.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the federal government for its support and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in advancing manpower development in the maritime sector.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG, has grown into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and the wider African region.