LAGOS, NIGERIA– The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the multi-purpose building of the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The facility, a landmark donation by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Company (NIMASA), was commissioned on Thursday, April 16, 2026, marking an essential action in the federal government’s method to professionalise Nigeria’s maritime workforce.
Geared up with specialised laboratories, contemporary lecture halls, and research infrastructure, the brand-new IMS structure is created to act as a nerve centre for innovation in port operations, maritime law, and marine environmental research studies.
Throughout the event, Minister Oyetola emphasised that while Nigeria is blessed with vast natural water endowments, the true engine of the blue economy is human capital.
He noted that with 90% of Nigeria’s trade dependent on sea-borne channels, the sector is essential to national food security and economic diversification.
Secret Manpower Advancement Data (NSDP):
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Total Sponsored Seafarers: 2,459 Nigerians trained worldwide (UK, Egypt, Philippines, India, Romania).
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Certificates of Proficiency (CoC): 1,088 beneficiaries have actually successfully attained professional accreditation.
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Task Development Targets:
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Cabotage Fund (CVFF): Anticipated to generate approximately 30,000 native shipping tasks.
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Port Modernisation: Forecasted to create 20,000 youth-centred functions.
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A Hub for Innovation at UNILAG
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Teacher Folasade Ogunsola, highlighted that the IMS is now positioned to tackle intricate industry obstacles through interdisciplinary research study. The facility will specifically boost training in:
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Shipping Management & Logistics
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Maritime Law and Policy
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Port Operations and Efficiency
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Marine Environmental Sustainability
The Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, added that the university stays dedicated to working together with federal companies to guarantee that Nigeria minimizes its dependence on foreign maritime expertise.
Strategic Firm Partnerships
NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed that the agency is currently partnering with eight Nigerian universities and the World Maritime University to standardise maritime education.
This cooperation aims to produce “industry-ready” professionals capable of managing Nigeria’s overseas resources and improving the country’s status as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
Economic Prospective in Fisheries
Beyond shipping, the Minister indicated the enormous untapped capacity in aquaculture. With Nigeria’s annual fish need standing at 3.6 million metric tonnes, Oyetola noted that domesticating this supply chain through scientific fish farming might significantly improve employment and lower the national import bill.
The inauguration of the IMS structure comes as the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy accelerates its “Deep Blue” task and port concession reforms.
As stakeholders from the scholastic and maritime communities collected to witness the unveiling, the agreement remained clear: the improvement of Nigeria’s maritime sector will be driven by the synergy in between specialised academic research study and tactical government financial investment.