By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has unveiled plans to strengthen seafarer training, professional certification and onboard experience to produce globally competitive Nigerian maritime professionals.
Oyetola disclosed this on Friday in Lagos at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
He said skilled manpower development remained central to Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.
The minister highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, particularly a sea-time training agreement designed to provide cadets with the practical onboard experience required for professional certification.
According to him, the government is also strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians, women and fishing communities with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.
On maritime security, Oyetola said the government was intensifying efforts to improve safety in Nigerian waters, noting that the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports would have significant economic benefits.
He explained that improved security would help reduce shipping and logistics costs, enhance business competitiveness and potentially lower the cost of goods and services.
Oyetola also disclosed that port modernization projects were progressing at Onne, Warri and Calabar, building on developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
He said the government was pursuing deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo to expand capacity, improve efficiency and ease pressure on Lagos ports.
The minister added that the government was working to improve connectivity between seaports, inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.
On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said Nigeria’s fish production increased from approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025.
He said the government would build on the progress through responsible aquaculture, improved processing, cold-chain investments and better market access.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The event was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Odudoh Uduak, heads of maritime agencies and other industry stakeholders.
The celebration also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of an essay competition organized by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
