By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to develop a globally competitive Nigerian maritime workforce through expanded seafarer training, professional certification and practical onboard experience, as part of measures to strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime industry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the event themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” Oyetola said developing skilled manpower remained central to the Federal Government’s strategy to maximise Nigeria’s maritime potential and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
“We are expanding seafarer training, certification and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards,” the minister said.
He highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, particularly a sea-time training memorandum of understanding designed to provide cadets with the onboard experience required for professional certification.
According to him, the initiative, alongside other seafarer training and placement programmes, is helping to build a skilled Nigerian maritime workforce capable of competing for opportunities in the international shipping industry.
L-R: Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Odudoh Uduak; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola at the 2026 World Maritime Day in Lagos, on Friday.
The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians, women and fishing communities with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.
He said improved training, research and industry partnerships would enable beneficiaries to increase productivity, establish businesses and contribute to national food security.
Beyond human capital development, Oyetola said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to improve maritime security and reduce the cost of doing business in the sector.
He cited the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports as a significant achievement with potential benefits for international trade and shipping operations.
The minister explained that the development was particularly important because most of Nigeria’s international trade by volume is transported by sea.
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“Reducing security-related burdens and delays will lower shipping and logistics costs, strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses and, as savings move through the supply chain, help reduce the cost of goods and services for Nigerians,” he said.
The government’s maritime security and efficiency agenda, he added, was intended to improve confidence in Nigerian ports, strengthen trade competitiveness and ensure that the benefits of reduced shipping costs extend across the economy.
On port infrastructure, Oyetola said the Federal Government was advancing modernisation projects at Onne, Warri and Calabar ports, building on developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
He also listed proposed deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo as part of the government’s broader plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
According to the minister, the strategy seeks to improve port efficiency, expand cargo-handling capacity and reduce congestion and pressure on Lagos by connecting seaports to inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the movement of goods, improve connectivity between ports and industrial hubs, and support economic activities across different parts of the country.
In the fisheries and aquaculture subsector, Oyetola disclosed that Nigeria’s fish production increased from approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025.
He said the government was seeking to sustain the growth through responsible aquaculture practices, improved fish processing, investment in cold-chain infrastructure and better market access.
The minister stressed that developing the subsector would create additional economic opportunities, improve the livelihoods of fishing communities and contribute to Nigeria’s food security objectives.
He further noted that investments in skills development, research and modern production techniques remained essential to increasing productivity and ensuring the sustainable use of the country’s marine and inland water resources.
The 2026 World Maritime Day celebration attracted key stakeholders in the maritime industry, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun; the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Odudoh Uduak; heads of maritime agencies and other industry representatives.
In his goodwill message, Eshinlokun called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, drawing attention to the continuing security risks confronting maritime personnel in international waters.
The celebration also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of an essay competition organised by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as part of efforts to promote awareness and encourage greater participation in the maritime sector.
