Oyetola commissions NIMASA–UNILAG maritime hub

By Fredrick Ameh

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital.

The facility, funded and donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and specialised training facilities designed to support academic excellence, research, and innovation in the maritime sector.

Describing the project as a major milestone, Oyetola said the development underscores government’s resolve to build institutional capacity and position the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth and diversification.

He noted that with over 90 percent of Nigeria’s trade conducted via maritime channels, the need to develop skilled manpower remains critical to national development.

“The future of the blue economy will be shaped by the quality of minds we nurture,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and training to unlock the sector’s full potential.

The IMS building is expected to enhance practical learning and bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s maritime industry by providing students and researchers with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The commissioning attracted key stakeholders from government, academia, and the maritime industry, further highlighting the growing collaboration between institutions in driving sustainable sectoral growth.