FG opens maritime training facility at UNILAG to boost blue economy

The Federal Government has commissioned a new maritime training facility at the University of Lagos, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy through skills development, research, and institutional capacity building.

The facility, known as the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building, was officially inaugurated on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The project was donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency as part of broader efforts to deepen human capital development in the maritime sector.

Investment in human capital and infrastructure

Speaking at the commissioning, Oyetola described the facility as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey to unlock the full potential of its marine resources. He noted that the future of the blue economy will depend not only on natural endowments but also on the quality of trained professionals emerging from institutions like UNILAG.

According to him, the newly completed building is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised research facilities designed to support innovation, teaching, and industry-relevant training.

He emphasised that the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic structure, with over 90% of the country’s trade conducted through maritime channels. This, he said, positions the sector as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and long-term sustainability.

Expanding training and global exposure

Oyetola also highlighted ongoing government-backed programmes targeted at developing maritime expertise among Nigerians. He disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have so far benefited from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), receiving training in countries such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania.

Out of this number, 1,088 beneficiaries have already obtained their Certificates of Competency, strengthening Nigeria’s pool of qualified seafarers and reducing reliance on foreign professionals.

Beyond shipping, the minister pointed to opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents a major opportunity for food security, job creation, and investment.

Job creation and sector reforms

The Federal Government is also advancing financing and infrastructure reforms to support the sector. Oyetola revealed plans for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and generate up to 30,000 jobs.

In addition, ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to create as many as 20,000 jobs while improving operational efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub across West and Central Africa.

Strengthening academic and industry collaboration

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, stated that the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities, alongside international institutions such as the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime education and workforce development.

He explained that building a skilled offshore workforce is essential to improving Nigeria’s global standing in maritime services and reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

Mobereola added that the partnership between NIMASA and UNILAG will enhance research output, support data-driven policymaking, and produce graduates equipped to meet evolving industry demands.

UNILAG positions as maritime knowledge hub

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility will significantly improve teaching and professional training across key areas including maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies.

She noted that the Institute of Maritime Studies is strategically positioned to serve as a centre for interdisciplinary research and innovation that supports national development goals.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government for its continued investment in education and pledged sustained collaboration in advancing maritime capacity development.

Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has grown into a key platform for developing maritime expertise in Nigeria and across Africa. The commissioning of the new facility marks a significant step in aligning academic training with industry needs, as Nigeria seeks to fully harness the economic potential of its blue economy.

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