Oyetola Commissions NIMASA–UNILAG Maritime Institute Building, reaffirms commitment to Blue Economy Drive

 
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
 
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 strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy through investment in education and infrastructure.
 
The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was unveiled on Thursday in Lagos and is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised research facilities to support innovation and training in the maritime sector.
 
Describing the project as a major milestone, Oyetola said the initiative underscores the government’s resolve to build institutional capacity and position the marine and blue economy as a key driver of national development.
 
“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 noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade is conducted through maritime channels, stressing the sector’s importance to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth.
 
Oyetola also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost manpower development, revealing that 2,459 Nigerians have been trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries already earning Certificates of Competency.
 
He pointed to opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant prospects for food security and employment.
 
The minister further disclosed plans to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs, alongside ongoing port modernisation projects expected to generate about 20,000 additional jobs.
 
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 training and research.
 
In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, said the new building would significantly improve teaching, research, and professional training across key maritime disciplines.
 
She added that the institute is well-positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research to support national development.
 
The event attracted key stakeholders from the maritime and academic sectors.

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