The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure.
The state-of-the-art facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), features modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised spaces designed to support teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Oyetola described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s maritime development agenda.
“The future of the blue economy will be shaped not just by our natural endowments, but by the quality of minds we nurture within institutions such as this,” he said.
Highlighting the sector’s strategic importance, the Minister noted that with over 90 percent of Nigeria’s trade conducted via maritime channels, the industry remains critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth. He disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in institutions across the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 already certified.
Dr. Oyetola also pointed to opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, stressing that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant potential for food security and employment. He further outlined key initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), expected to create up to 30,000 jobs, and ongoing port modernisation projects projected to generate 20,000 jobs while enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the agency’s partnerships with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions such as the World Maritime University to strengthen manpower development. He noted that the NIMASA–UNILAG collaboration will boost research, support evidence-based policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility will enhance teaching, research, and professional training in maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies. Pro-Chancellor Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government’s support and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in advancing manpower development.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa. The commissioning ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from the maritime industry and academia.