The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has said.
Oyetola disclosed this on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, describing skilled manpower development as critical to Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.
The event was held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
“We are expanding seafarer training, certification and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards,” the minister said.
He highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) 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,” 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.
Beyond manpower development, the minister said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to improve maritime security, following the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports.
Oyetola noted that the achievement has 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.
In fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola disclosed that fish production rose from approximately 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 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 an essay competition organised by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.