The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that Nigeria’s annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes presents major opportunities for food security, job creation, and economic growth.
He made the remarks during the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, a facility donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised training infrastructure.
Oyetola said the Federal Government remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He noted that fisheries and aquaculture remain critical underutilised sectors capable of significantly reducing Nigeria’s fish import dependency while creating large-scale employment opportunities.
The minister also outlined key ongoing initiatives, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which he said could boost indigenous shipping capacity and generate up to 30,000 jobs.
He added that ongoing port modernisation projects are expected to create about 20,000 additional jobs, improve operational efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
“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,” Oyetola said.
He emphasised that more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s trade is conducted through maritime channels, making the sector central to economic diversification and national development.
Oyetola also revealed that 2,459 Nigerians have benefited from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), receiving training in maritime institutions across countries such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 already earning Certificates of Competency.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen maritime manpower development.
He noted that such partnerships will help build a skilled workforce, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
According to him, the collaboration with the University of Lagos will enhance research, support evidence-based policymaking, and produce industry-ready professionals.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, said the new facility will strengthen teaching, research, and training in maritime law, shipping management, logistics, port operations, and marine environmental studies.
She added that the institute is positioned to serve as a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary research supporting national development.
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Wole Olanipekun, commended the Federal Government for its support and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing maritime education in Nigeria.
Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos continues to serve as a key centre for maritime capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.
