The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, says the newly commissioned NIMASA–University of Lagos Institute of Maritime Studies multi-purpose building will strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy by enhancing maritime training, research, and manpower development.
Speaking at the commissioning of the facility donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ogunsola said the institute has already trained over 2,000 students and will continue to support industry growth through specialised programmes.
She commended the Federal Government and NIMASA for their support and expressed optimism that the remaining phases of the project would be completed.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described Nigeria’s maritime sector as a critical driver of national development, noting that over 90 per cent of the country’s trade is conducted by sea.
Oyetola said the new building represents a strategic investment in human capital and would enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
According to him, the future of the maritime industry depends not only on infrastructure and policies but also on skilled manpower, innovation, and collaboration.
The minister disclosed that more than 3,000 young Nigerians have been sponsored for training abroad under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, with over 1,000 already qualified to contribute to the industry.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the commissioning of the building marks another milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector through capacity development, training, and research.
Mobereola said the project reflects the agency’s commitment under the NIMASA Act 2007 to promote human capital development in the maritime industry.
He added that the agency has partnered with institutions including the University of Lagos, World Maritime University, and the International Maritime Law Institute to bridge the manpower gap in the sector.
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