By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
Human capital development is critical to achieving the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and transforming the maritime sector into a major contributor to national development.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known during the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime, TAAM, Lecture held at the University of Lagos. He was represented by the Agency’s Director of Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor.
Speaking at the event, Mobereola said the Agency remains committed to placing Nigerian youths at the centre of efforts to develop a vibrant and globally competitive maritime industry. He noted that the Blue Economy presents enormous opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, making it essential for young Nigerians to acquire the knowledge and competencies required to succeed in the sector.
According to him, the Marine and Blue Economy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become a key component of the Federal Government’s strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil and unlock the value of Nigeria’s extensive coastline, inland waterways and marine resources. He added that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed NIMASA to intensify initiatives that empower youths to benefit from the expanding opportunities within the maritime value chain.
Mobereola highlighted several programmes being implemented by the agency to develop the next generation of maritime professionals. Among them is the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme ,NSDP, which provides specialised education, internationally recognised training and practical sea-time experience for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global shipping industry.
He also identified the newly introduced Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative as another strategic intervention aimed at encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. The initiative is expected to support emerging businesses and innovative solutions capable of enhancing productivity, sustainability and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.
The Director-General further disclosed that NIMASA is establishing skills acquisition centres across the six geopolitical zones to provide vocational and technical training tailored to the needs of the maritime industry. The centres are expected to equip participants with practical skills that will improve employability, promote self-reliance and support the growth of indigenous maritime enterprises.
In addition, the Agency is supporting the establishment of Institutes of Maritime Studies in selected Nigerian universities to strengthen academic research, improve maritime education and produce highly skilled professionals capable of meeting the industry’s evolving demands.
Mobereola said the combined impact of these initiatives would help bridge the skills gap within the sector while creating sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian youths. He stressed that developing human capital remains one of the most effective ways to maximise the economic benefits of the Blue Economy and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international maritime trade.
He also commended SIFAX Group for sustaining the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Lecture over the past decade, describing the programme as an important platform for promoting maritime education, encouraging policy dialogue and inspiring future industry leaders.
According to him, the annual lecture has become a valuable forum for bringing together policymakers, regulators, academics and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, address sectoral challenges and identify practical solutions for advancing Nigeria’s maritime industry.
As part of activities at the event, NIMASA organised an interactive knowledge-sharing session with doctoral and master’s students of the University of Lagos. The engagement provided participants with insights into emerging opportunities within the Blue Economy, the importance of research and innovation, and the skills required to build successful careers in the maritime sector.
The agency said strengthening collaboration between academia and industry remains a priority as it works to ensure that graduates possess the practical competencies needed by employers and are well positioned to contribute to the country’s maritime transformation.
NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to working with educational institutions, private sector organisations and other stakeholders to develop a highly skilled maritime workforce that will drive innovation, improve productivity and support Nigeria’s aspiration to become Africa’s leading Blue Economy hub.
