The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday commissioned the new Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s blue economy through strategic investment in human capital and infrastructure.
The state-of-the-art facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), features modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised learning spaces designed to strengthen teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
Describing the project as a major milestone, Oyetola said the initiative underscores the government’s determination to build institutional capacity and position the marine and blue economy as a critical pillar 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,” the minister stated.
He noted that with more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade conducted through maritime channels, the sector remains central to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
Highlighting ongoing efforts in manpower development, Oyetola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in maritime institutions across the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries already obtaining their Certificates of Competency.
The minister also spotlighted the vast opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents immense prospects for food security and employment generation.
He further outlined key government interventions, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is expected to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
According to him, ongoing port modernisation projects are also projected to create an additional 20,000 jobs for Nigerian youths while significantly improving port efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Speaking at the event, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime manpower development.
He said the partnership aims to build a highly skilled offshore workforce, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Mobereola added that the NIMASA–UNILAG collaboration will enhance research, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility would significantly improve teaching, research, and professional training in key areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.
She described the institute as a growing hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research capable of supporting national development goals.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government for its continued support and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing maritime manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG, has evolved into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across the African region.
The commissioning ceremony attracted key stakeholders from the maritime industry and the academic community.
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