Marine/Blue Economy Minister Urges Youth To Embrace Maritime Studies At UNILAG

By Roland Ekama

 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday, 3rd October 2025, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting capacity building and infrastructure development for students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

Oyetola made this statement during a working visit to the university alongside the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez; Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Moberola; and other senior officials from the ministry and agencies under it.

He stressed the importance of building capacity for youths interested in maritime studies, adding that abundant opportunities exist in the marine ecosystem through job creation and various prospects.

The minister also assured UNILAG management that the ministry would continue to provide support, confident that the maritime industry will soon surpass the oil and gas sector.

According to Oyetola, who highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in the maritime sector, the Federal Government is committed to unlocking these opportunities through investments in infrastructure, manpower development, and international partnerships.

“Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. We are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy,” the minister said.

Oyetola, an alumnus of UNILAG, urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous career and investment prospects within the sector. According to him, the government’s vision for the blue economy requires a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and competitiveness.

“There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,” he added.

He commended UNILAG and NIMASA for their collaboration in maritime manpower development, particularly the establishment of a modern facility for the Institute of Maritime Studies.

The minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, stressing that youth engagement and capacity building are central to achieving the long-term vision.

Oyetola declared that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector is being strategically repositioned to serve as the country’s major revenue earner, replacing crude oil as the dominant source of national income.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Moberola, in his remarks, reiterated that the agency will continue to support the university with the necessary infrastructure to promote maritime studies.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG, during the official visit of the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez called on the university management to embrace IMO courses to further knowledge about the sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folashade Ogunsola, commended the federal government and NIMASA for providing a three-storey building as part of efforts to promote maritime studies.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research and Academic Affairs, Professor Folashade Ogunsola said maritime studies would help address challenges and promote research of marine learning, noting that the university remains committed to maintaining its position as a top-class institution in Nigeria.