The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said.
Oyetola spoke at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held on Friday at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The minister said the government was expanding seafarer training, certification and sea-time opportunities in line with international standards. He highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, including 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,” Oyetola said.
He added that 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.
Beyond manpower development, Oyetola said the Federal Government was improving maritime security, following the lifting of longstanding U.S. Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports.
He said 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,” the minister 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 also disclosed that fish production rose from about 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025. He said the government was building on the progress through responsible aquaculture, improved processing, cold-chain investment and better market access.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted the authority’s efforts to modernise Nigerian ports for greater efficiency and growth.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, Dr Pius Akutah, said the agency remained committed to a well-functioning port system that protects every operator within the sector.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, said the academy had sustainable agreements with Nigeria LNG and the Shipowners Association of Nigeria to place cadets on ships for practical service experience. He said seafarers remained the priority in the implementation of the academy’s policies.
The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Yusuf Girei, said the agency was committed to the safety of inland waterways users. He said NIWA had continued to provide thousands of safety jackets to boat operators for use by commuters, while also developing jetties and offering regulatory guidance to operators.
The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Kingsley Igwe, said freight forwarders remained critical links between ports, shipping companies, terminals, customs, cargo owners, transport operators and the wider supply chain.
He said the council had, for the first time, commenced full licensing of professional freight forwarding companies under Section 25 of its enabling Act. According to him, more than 1,000 companies had been registered, while the first 10 registrants were to receive laptop computers in recognition of their early participation.
Dr Sule Abiodun of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research said the institute had acquired an OTS instrument for acoustic research, describing it as the biggest of its kind in West Africa.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun; 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.
In his goodwill message, Eshinlokun called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The celebration also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of essay competitions organised by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.