The federal government has announced plans to expand seafarer training, professional certification and practical onboard experience to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian maritime professionals in the global shipping industry.
The minister of marine and blue economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola disclosed this on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” Oyetola said developing skilled manpower was critical to Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.
“We are expanding seafarer training, certification and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards,” he said.
The minister highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, which includes a memorandum of understanding on sea-time training to help cadets acquire the onboard experience required for professional certification.
He said the initiative, alongside other training and placement programmes, would help build a Nigerian maritime workforce capable of competing for opportunities in the international shipping industry.
Oyetola also disclosed that the government was strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians, women and fishing communities with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.
He said the focus on training, research and industry partnerships was intended to improve productivity, support enterprise development and contribute to national food security.
On maritime security, the minister said the government was intensifying efforts to sustain improvements in the sector following the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports.
He said the development had significant economic implications because most of Nigeria’s international trade by volume is transported by sea.
According to him, reducing security-related costs and delays would help lower shipping and logistics expenses, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and potentially ease the cost of goods and services.
On port development, Oyetola said modernisation projects were being pursued at Onne, Warri and Calabar ports, building on developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
He added that the government was also pursuing deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.
The minister said the broader strategy was to expand port capacity, improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion in Lagos by connecting seaports to inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.
In the fisheries sector, Oyetola disclosed that Nigeria’s fish production increased from approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025.
He said the government intended to build on the increase through responsible aquaculture, improved fish processing, investment in cold-chain infrastructure and better market access.
The celebration 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.
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