NIMASA Positions Nigerian Youths to Drive Blue Economy Growth

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians as key drivers of the nation's Marine and Blue Economy, declaring that the country's aspiration to become Africa's Blue Giant rests largely on the capacity and innovation of its youth.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, during the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Lecture held at the University of Lagos.

Mobereola praised SIFAX Group for sustaining the lecture series over the past ten years, describing the initiative as an important platform for promoting dialogue, research, and innovation in Nigeria's maritime sector. He noted that the Blue Economy Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a cornerstone of the Federal Government's economic diversification drive, adding that the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has directed NIMASA to prioritize youth development as a critical component of the sector's long-term growth.

According to the Director General, the Agency has rolled out several strategic initiatives aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities within the maritime industry. These include the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), the newly launched Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative, skills acquisition centres across the six geopolitical zones, and the establishment of Institutes of Maritime Studies in selected Nigerian universities. He explained that these programmes are designed to build technical capacity, stimulate innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the country's growing youth population.

Further demonstrating its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, NIMASA also held an interactive knowledge-sharing session with doctoral and master's students of the University of Lagos. The session, led by the Agency's Director of Cabotage Services, Ms. Gloria Anyasodo, featured presentations on shipping development, maritime logistics, Cabotage implementation, and maritime labour regulation.

The engagement provided participants with practical insights into the evolving maritime industry while encouraging research-driven solutions to sectoral challenges. It also underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders in developing the skilled workforce needed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria's blue economy.

With these initiatives, NIMASA continues to strengthen its investment in human capital development, positioning young Nigerians to lead innovation, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth across the nation's maritime sector.