A new multipurpose building donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has been commissioned at the University of Lagos, marking a significant addition to Nigeria's maritime education infrastructure and the Federal Government's blue economy agenda.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the Institute of Maritime Studies Multipurpose Building on Thursday, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening institutional capacity and positioning the blue economy as a central driver of national prosperity.

The high tech facility is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised units designed to support teaching, research, and innovation within the maritime sector. Established in 2013, the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG has since grown into a strategic hub for maritime capacity development across Nigeria and Africa.

Oyetola disclosed that 2,459 Nigerians have been trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme across countries, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, India, and Romania, with 1,088 beneficiaries already obtaining their Certificates of Competency.

The minister stressed that the maritime sector accounts for 90 per cent of Nigeria's trade conducted through maritime channels, underlining its importance to economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. He added that the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund is expected to boost indigenous shipping capacity and create 30,000 jobs, with ongoing port modernisation projects projected to generate an additional 20,000 jobs.

On food security, Oyetola pointed to Nigeria's annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes as a significant opportunity in fisheries and aquaculture. He affirmed that "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."

NIMASA Director General Dayo Mobereola disclosed that the agency is collaborating with eight Nigerian universities and international institutions, including the World Maritime University, to strengthen manpower development, with the UNILAG partnership specifically aimed at enhancing research capabilities and producing industry ready professionals.

UNILAG Vice Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola said the facility would improve training across maritime law, shipping management, port operations, logistics, and marine environmental studies, while Pro Chancellor Wole Olanipekun reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing maritime manpower development.