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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

UNILAG maritime institute will advance blue economy — Oyetola

From The Punch · (14h ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated a new multi-purpose building for the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
  • Oyetola stated that the institute is a crucial step in advancing Nigeria's blue economy ambitions and strengthening human capital in the maritime sector.
  • The project, a collaboration between NIMASA and UNILAG, is seen as a testament to the government's commitment to knowledge-driven development and leveraging maritime resources for national prosperity.

The commissioning of the NIMASA-UNILAG Institute of Maritime Studies Multi-Purpose Building marks a significant stride in Nigeria's pursuit of harnessing its vast blue economy potential. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, lauded the initiative, emphasizing its role in bolstering the nation's maritime sector through enhanced human capital and institutional capacity.

I am deeply honoured and delighted to join you today for the commissioning of this land-grant project by the NIMASA/University of Lagos Institute of Maritime Studies multifaceted building. The facility represents a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions.

— Adegboyega OyetolaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy at the commissioning of the UNILAG Institute of Maritime Studies building.

This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a building; it represents a concrete commitment by the Federal Government to foster innovation and expertise within the maritime domain. Oyetola rightly pointed out that Nigeria's blue economy is not merely about its natural endowments but critically depends on nurturing skilled minds within institutions like UNILAG. This forward-thinking approach is vital for a nation where maritime activities are the backbone of over 90% of its trade.

This auspicious occasion is a defining milestone in our collective resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, advance innovation, and deepen the human capital base required to produce an ingenious maritime and blue economy as a cornerstone of national prosperity.

— Adegboyega OyetolaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy on the significance of the new UNILAG maritime institute.

The collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and UNILAG underscores a shared vision for a robust and competitive maritime industry. As NIMASA's Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, noted, the true strength of the sector lies in its people. This investment in education and training is thus paramount, positioning Nigeria to generate data-driven insights, shape effective policies, and solidify its status as a key player in Africa's maritime landscape.

This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to knowledge-driven development. It reflects our belief 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.

— Adegboyega OyetolaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy highlighting the government's focus on education for blue economy development.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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