WMD CELEBRATION: GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN TRAINING OF WORKFORCE-Oyetola
.... As Agencies Raise Hope
NPERA DG, Dr. Akutah flanked to his rightby the NPA MD, Dr. Dantsoho with other heads of Agencies at the WMD celebration.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held on Friday at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and it was a veritable opportunity for many agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to present their activities in the different areas of their jurisdictions. The theme of this year’s celebration is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The event started with different persons giving goodwill messages. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho used the opportunity to highlight his agency’s efforts in modernisning the Nigerian Ports for better efficiency and growth.
Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah of the Nigerian Ports Environment Regulatory Agency (NPERA), the new agency that metamorphosed from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council spoke briefly about his agency’s commitment to seeing a well functioning Port system that protects every operator within the system..
The acting rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna in his message said that MAN, Oron has a sustainable agreement with the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and Ship Owners Association of Nigeria to place cadets in ships for service experience. He affirmed that “seafarers come first in the implementation of all our policies”.
Engineer Yusuf Girei of the National Inland Waterways Authority while appreciating the support of the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy gave an insight into the performance of his agency. According to him, NIWA is committed to safe transportation through the inland waterways as the agency sets standards and also put in measures to encourage sustainable growth in the sub-sector.
Mr. Kingsley Igwe is the Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria. In his message, he noted that “Freight Forwarders are critical links between ports, shipping companies, terminals, Customs, cargo owners, transport operators and the wider supply chain. He added that the CRFFN has for the first time commenced the full licensing of professional freight forwarding companies operating in Nigeria through section 25 of its enabling Act”.
He added that over 1000 companies have so far been registered in the excercise and that the first 10 were to be awarded on the day with laptop computers for earling registration.
Dr. Sule Abiodun of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research declared that the institute has been able to acquire the OTS instrument needed for research in acoustics around the ocean and that it is the biggest in West Africa.
The event also had in attendance 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.
A cross section of participants at the occasion.
In his address, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola said that the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience.
His words “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.
Heads of Agencies in a group photograph with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy at the event.
“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.
A cross section of participants.
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.
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 Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Yusuf Girei said in an interview after the event that the Agency is committed to the safety of inland waterways users and that the agency has continued to provide thousands of safety jackets to boat operators to be used by commuters. He noted that concerted efforts are in pace for the continuous development of the inland waterways through the building of jetties and providing regulatory advise to operators for sustainable development and growth of the sub-sector.
Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola making his presentation at the WMD celebration.
The celebration also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of different categories in essay competitions which were organised by different agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
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