In the quest to expand maritime education in Nigeria, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commissions NIMASA’s Institute of Maritime Studies Building at the University of Lagos, insisting that the ongoing rehabilitation and modernization of the nation’s ports will generate over 2,000 jobs when completed
By Innocent Chukwu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed that the modernization of the ports would generate more than 2,000 jobs when it is completed. The minister also disclosed that he has secured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of the disbursement of the controversial $25 million Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). He added that when disbursed, the funds would be expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity, and can create over 30,000 more jobs. The CVFF which has been lying dormant for decades, would be disbursed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Oyetola dropped the hints during the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The building was donated by NIMASA.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure.
The NIMASA’s maritime education building is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities to support teaching, learning, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.
He described the project as a milestone that reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key driver of national prosperity.
Oyetola: “The future of the blue economy will be shaped not just by natural endowments, but by the quality of minds we nurture within institutions such as this”.
According to the minister, with over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s trade conducted through maritime channels, the sector remains critical to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
While reeling out ongoing efforts to build manpower, Oyetola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for training in maritime institutions across countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania. He added that 1,088 beneficiaries have obtained their Certificates of Competency.
Oyetola identified opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents significant potential for food security and employment.
He further outlined key government initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the 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 our teeming youths, while significantly improving port efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.”
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is partnering with eight Nigerian universities, as well as international institutions including the World Maritime University in Sweden, 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 opportunities.
The NIMASA boss added that his organisation’s partnership with UNILAG would boost research, support data-driven policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals to meet evolving demands in the maritime sector.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility would enhance teaching, research, and professional training in areas such as 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.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (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.
