Uchenna Cecil Izuora
The Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has inaugurated a multipurpose building for the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) at the University of Lagos.
The event underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to growing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through investments in human capital and infrastructure.The building was donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),
The state-of-the-art facility features modern lecture halls, labs, and specialized spaces for maritime teaching, research, and innovation.
Calling it a “milestone,” Dr. Oyetola affirmed the government’s focus on building institutional capacity to make the blue economy a pillar 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,” he stated.
With over 90% of Nigeria’s trade moving by sea, the minister highlighted the sector’s role in economic diversification, job creation, and sustainability. He revealed that 2,459 Nigerians have received training abroad under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in the UK, Egypt, Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 earning Certificates of Competency.
Oyetola also spotlighted fisheries potential as Nigeria’s 3.6 million metric tonnes annual fish demand offers paths to food security and jobs.
He said the Key initiatives include disbursing the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to expand local shipping and generate 30,000 jobs, plus port modernizations expected to create 20,000 youth jobs, cut turnaround times, and position Nigeria as a West and Central African maritime hub.
NIMASA. Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola also announced the partnerships with eight Nigerian universities and global bodies like the World Maritime University to build skilled offshore talent, cut foreign reliance, and foster jobs.
The NIMASA-UNILAG collaboration according to him will drive research, data-informed policies, and industry-ready graduates.
University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola praised the facility for advancing maritime law, shipping, port operations, logistics, and marine studies, positioning IMS as an innovation hub for national growth.
Pro-Chancellor Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, thanked the government and committed UNILAG to ongoing maritime manpower efforts.
Launched in 2013, the IMS has become a key center for maritime training in Nigeria and Africa. The commissioning drew maritime and academic leaders.