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The federal government has affirmed that it is stepping up efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this Friday while speaking at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, noted that skilled manpower development was “critical to Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.”
The minister, while speaking at the event themed, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence, ”said “we are expanding seafarer training, certification, and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards.”
He highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to include a “sea-time training memorandum of understanding aimed at helping cadets acquire the onboard experience required for professional certification.”
“Together with wider seafarer training and placement initiatives, this is building a skilled Nigerian maritime workforce ready to compete globally,” he said.
Oyetola said the government was also strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians and women with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.
“Through improved training, research and industry partnerships, we are equipping young Nigerians, women and fishing communities with the skills to increase productivity, create enterprises and contribute to national food security,” he said.
Oyetola noted that the achievement had far-reaching economic implications because the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s international trade by volume moves by sea.
“Reducing security-related burdens and delays will lower shipping and logistics costs, strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses and, as savings move through the supply chain, help reduce the cost of goods and services for Nigerians,” he said.
On port infrastructure, Oyetola said the government was advancing modernisation projects at Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports; building on developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island, while pursuing deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.
He said the strategy was designed to expand capacity, improve efficiency and reduce the pressure on Lagos by connecting seaports to inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.
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