OYETOLA LINKS BLUE ECONOMY GROWTH TO SKILLED WORKFORCE AT IMS UNILAG COMMISSIONING

OYETOLA LINKS BLUE ECONOMY GROWTH TO SKILLED WORKFORCE AT IMS UNILAG COMMISSIONING
By Prince Benson Davies

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos. The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities for teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oyetola described the project as a milestone that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and positioning the blue economy as a driver of national prosperity. He stated that the future of the blue economy will be shaped not just by natural endowments, but by the quality of minds nurtured within institutions such as this.

The Minister noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade is conducted via maritime channels, making the sector critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. On manpower development, he disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in maritime institutions in the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries having obtained their Certificates of Competency.

Oyetola also highlighted opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, pointing out that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant potential for food security and employment. He outlined key government initiatives including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create up to 30,000 jobs. He added that ongoing port modernisation projects are projected to generate up to 20,000 jobs for youths while improving port efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions including the World Maritime University to strengthen maritime manpower development. He stressed that building a skilled offshore workforce will enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and create sustainable employment. Mobereola noted that the NIMASA–UNILAG partnership will boost research, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals for the evolving maritime sector.

University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, 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. She added that the Institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research that will support national development.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged the university’s continued collaboration in advancing manpower development in the maritime sector.

 

Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG, has grown into a strategic centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and the wider African region.

 

The event was attended by key stakeholders from the maritime sector and the academic community.

 

Photo Cutlines for IMS UNILAG Commissioning

1. Official Cutline
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (center), unveils the plaque to commission the NIMASA-donated Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, Thursday, April 16, 2026. With him are NIMASA DG Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left), UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola (2nd right), and Pro-Chancellor Chief Wole Olanipekun (right).

2. Group Shot
Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, flanked by NIMASA and UNILAG officials during the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building at UNILAG, Lagos, on April 16, 2026.

3. Facility Tour
Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola inspects one of the laboratories at the newly commissioned Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building, UNILAG, donated by NIMASA to boost maritime education and research.

4. Handshake Version
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and NIMASA DG Dr. Dayo Mobereola exchange pleasantries after the commissioning of the IMS Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, April 16, 2026