The Federal Government has moved to tackle Nigeria’s maritime skills deficit with the commissioning of a new Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) building at the University of Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who inaugurated the facility in Lagos on Thursday, said the project signals a deliberate shift toward building a knowledge-driven maritime sector capable of sustaining long-term growth.
The multipurpose complex, funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, is equipped with lecture halls, laboratories and specialised training facilities designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands.
Oyetola stressed that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on maritime trade—accounting for over 90 per cent of cargo movement—makes investment in skilled manpower non-negotiable.
He argued that infrastructure alone cannot unlock the sector’s full potential without a pipeline of trained professionals.
“The real currency of the blue economy is expertise,” he said, noting that institutions like IMS will shape the next generation of maritime professionals.
The Minister linked the development to broader federal initiatives aimed at expanding employment and boosting competitiveness.
He disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have so far benefitted from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), with 1,088 already earning Certificates of Competency from training institutions abroad.
He also highlighted the anticipated rollout of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is projected to stimulate indigenous shipping and create up to 30,000 jobs, alongside port modernisation efforts expected to generate an additional 20,000 jobs while improving efficiency.
Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is deepening partnerships with eight Nigerian universities and global institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen workforce capacity.
According to him, the collaboration with UNILAG will not only enhance training but also support research and data-driven policy formulation in the maritime sector.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, described the new facility as a boost for specialised education in maritime law, shipping management, logistics and marine environmental studies.
She added that the institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor Wole Olanipekun commended the Federal Government’s intervention and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting manpower development in the sector.
