The Federal Government has reinforced its commitment to developing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy with the commissioning of a new multipurpose building at the University of Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday inaugurated the Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building, a facility donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
The high-tech structure is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities designed to support teaching, research, and innovation within the maritime sector.
Oyetola described the project as a major milestone, noting that it underscores the Federal Government’s focus on strengthening institutional capacity and positioning the blue economy as a key driver of national prosperity.
“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 stressed that the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economy, with over 90 per cent of the country’s trade conducted through maritime channels, making it vital for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
The minister revealed that 2,459 Nigerians have been trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme across countries, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries already obtaining their Certificates of Competency.
He also highlighted 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 generation.
According to him, the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs, while ongoing port modernisation projects could generate an additional 20,000 jobs and improve efficiency across the sector.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen manpower development.
He noted that the partnership with UNILAG will enhance research capabilities, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, said the facility would significantly improve teaching, research, and professional training in areas such as maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government’s support and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing maritime manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has evolved into a strategic hub for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.
