By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commissioned a new multipurpose building for the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The facility, located in Lagos, was donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories and specialised facilities to support teaching, research and innovation in the maritime sector
L-R: Professor Abiodun Mary Odukoya, Director Maritime Studies University of Lagos (UNILAG); Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy; Mrs. Fatima Sugra; Minister of Marine & Blue Economy; His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, OFR and Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS during the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies of UNILAG donated by NIMASA.
Describing the project as a milestone, Oyetola said it reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the marine economy as a key driver 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,” he said.
He noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade is conducted through maritime channels, underscoring the sector’s importance to economic diversification, job creation and sustainable development.
Highlighting efforts to build manpower, the minister disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India and Romania, with 1,088 already obtaining Certificates of Competency.
L-R: Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, OFR; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola Tolulope OON, FAS; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Mrs. Fatima Sugra cutting the tape at the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies donated by NIMASA to UNILAG.
Oyetola 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.
He further outlined key initiatives such as the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs.
According to him, ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to generate about 20,000 jobs while improving efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to enhance maritime manpower development.
He noted that the partnership with UNILAG would boost research, support data-driven policymaking and produce industry-ready professionals.
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The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, said the facility would strengthen teaching and research in areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics and marine environmental studies.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged continued collaboration to advance manpower development in the sector.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a key centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa
