The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos.
According to a statement on Thursday by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the commissioning of the IMS reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to grow the blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure.
Donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the facility features modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialized training spaces designed to advance teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
Oyetola described the project as a milestone that reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a central 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 said.
He stressed that with more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s trade conducted via maritime channels, the sector remains vital to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
Highlighting ongoing manpower efforts, 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. Of that number, 1,088 have obtained their Certificates of Competency.
The Minister also pointed to untapped potential in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant opportunities for food security and employment.
He outlined key government initiatives underway, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is expected to expand indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
Ongoing port modernization projects, he added, are projected to generate up to 20,000 jobs for Nigerian youth while improving port efficiency, cutting vessel turnaround time, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to deepen maritime manpower development. He emphasized that a skilled offshore workforce will boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness, reduce reliance on foreign expertise, and create sustainable employment.
Mobereola noted that the NIMASA–UNILAG partnership will expand research, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals to meet evolving sector demands.
University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility will enhance teaching, research, and professional training in 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 supports national development.
Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in advancing maritime manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a strategic center for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across the African region.
The commissioning was attended by key stakeholders from the maritime sector and the academic community.
