Oyetola Inaugurates UNILAG Maritime Institute Building

Lagos, NIGERIA – Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday inaugurated the Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos. NaijaChoice News reports that the facility, fully donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, comes equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories and specialised tools to drive teaching, research and innovation in the maritime sector.

Oyetola described the project as a major milestone in the federal government’s push to grow the blue economy. He stressed that Nigeria’s future in the sector depends not only on its natural resources but on the skilled manpower produced in institutions like this one.

The minister noted that over 90 percent of the country’s trade moves through maritime routes, making the sector central to economic diversification, job creation and long-term development. He reaffirmed government commitment to building local capacity rather than relying on foreign expertise.

Under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, the government has sponsored 2,459 Nigerians for training in maritime institutions in the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India and Romania. Of this number, 1,088 have already obtained their Certificates of Competency.

Oyetola also highlighted fresh opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, where Nigeria’s annual fish demand stands at 3.6 million metric tonnes. He pointed to the planned release of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, which is expected to expand indigenous shipping and generate up to 30,000 jobs.

Ongoing port modernisation efforts, according to the minister, will create another 20,000 jobs for young Nigerians while cutting turnaround times and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

NIMASA Director-General Dr Dayo Mobereola said the agency is working with eight Nigerian universities and international partners, including the World Maritime University, to close skill gaps. He added that the new facility will support data-driven policies and produce graduates ready for the industry.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the building will strengthen programmes in maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics and marine environmental studies. She described it as a hub for innovation that will serve both the university and the wider national interest.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, praised the federal government’s support and pledged the university’s full partnership in developing maritime manpower. The institute, established in 2013, has since become a key centre for capacity building across Nigeria and the African region.