By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) joined the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in an awareness and sensitisation campaign at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), aimed at exposing young Nigerians to emerging opportunities in the maritime industry.
The event, hosted by the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), formed part of efforts to encourage early interest in maritime education and careers, particularly among secondary school students.Also read:Mobereola repositions NIMASA, drives maritime reforms, global recognition
Addressing students of the UNILAG International School at the IMS-UNILAG Building, IMO representative, Subaskar Sitsabeshan, delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of shipping and its vital role in driving the global economy.
He explained the IMO’s mandate as the regulator of international shipping and examined Nigeria’s strategic maritime position within continental and global trade.
Sitsabeshan also highlighted growing sustainability concerns in the sector, especially greenhouse gas emissions, and provided insights into the IMO’s GreenVoyage 2050 Programme.
He stressed the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue maritime studies in order to bridge generational gaps, improve gender diversity, and meet the evolving workforce needs of the industry.Also read: NIMASA moves to digitise ship registry, targets global competitiveness
NIMASA’s participation underscored its commitment to developing human capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector and promoting awareness of opportunities within the blue economy.
The campaign aligns with the agency’s broader mandate to regulate maritime safety and foster sustainable growth in the industry
Director of IMS-UNILAG, Prof. Mary Odukoya, described the engagement as a strategic platform to stimulate young learners’ interest in maritime careers and expand awareness of the sector’s vast potential.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Foluso Afolabi-Lesi, who emphasised prospects for collaboration, particularly with the World Maritime University.
He noted that the visit reflected UNILAG’s commitment to strengthening maritime education, deepening global partnerships, and positioning Nigerian youth to take advantage of opportunities in the rapidly expanding maritime and blue economy sectors.
