By Seun Ibiyemi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed that Nigerian youths will play a central role in driving the country’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda, declaring that Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s “Blue Giant” depends on the active participation of the younger generation.
Mobereola made the assertion in a keynote address delivered at the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Lecture held at the University of Lagos.
Represented by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, the NIMASA boss commended SIFAX Group for sustaining the annual maritime lecture over the past decade, describing the initiative as a valuable platform for promoting dialogue and knowledge sharing in the maritime industry.
Director, Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and Representative of DG NIMASA, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor (3rd from left) and some participants in a photograph at the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Lecture at the University of Lagos.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda remains a key pillar of the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy, adding that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed NIMASA to prioritise programmes that equip young Nigerians with the skills required to drive growth in the sector.
According to Mobereola, the agency has introduced several youth-focused initiatives aimed at building capacity, creating employment opportunities and encouraging innovation within the maritime industry.
These include the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), the newly introduced Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative, skills acquisition centres across the six geopolitical zones and the establishment of Institutes of Maritime Studies in selected Nigerian universities.
Director, Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and Representative of DG NIMASA, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor (left) receiving a plaque at the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Lecture at the University of Lagos.
He described the programmes as strategic interventions designed to prepare a new generation of maritime professionals capable of unlocking the country’s vast blue economy potential.
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As part of the event, NIMASA also held an interactive knowledge-sharing session with master’s and doctoral students of the University of Lagos.
The session, led by the Director of Cabotage Services, Ms. Gloria Anyasodo, featured presentations on shipping development, maritime logistics, Cabotage implementation and maritime labour regulation.
L-R: Director, Cabotage, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Ms. Gloria Anyasodo, President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), Dr. Segun Obayendo; Dr. Olayinka Agunloye; and Deputy Director, Maritime Guard Command, NIMASA; Dr. Chizoba Anika, during a study visit of the University of Lagos Business School to NIMASA.
Participants explored emerging opportunities and challenges in the maritime industry, with discussions highlighting the importance of stronger collaboration between academia and industry in advancing research, innovation and manpower development.
NIMASA said the engagement reflects its commitment to strengthening human capital development and supporting policies that will position Nigeria as a leading maritime and blue economy hub on the African continent.
