Blue Career Insights

1. I am honoured to be part of this significant event, not just as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also as an alumnus of this great institution. I am reminded of my days at the University of Lagos both as an undergraduate and a postgraduate student.
2. I wish to thank the Vice Chancellor, and the entire Management team, both past and present, for the remarkable progress witnessed in the University. Indeed, I have observed a lot of reforms, progressive and landmark achievements within the university community towards academic excellence. Notably, academic records have been encouraging and I wish to urge that we keep up the pace for greater academic excellence. I commend the Employment Clinic and University of Lagos for this initiative. Let me state that the current administration under the leadership of our dynamic and pragmatic President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, places high premium on education and will continue to support and encourage academic excellence in our educational institutions.
3. As the Minister in charge of the Marine and Blue Economy, I am excited to share with you the opportunities in the sector and to bring you up to speed with some of initiatives we are implementing to harness the vast potential in the Nigeria’s marine and blue economy space. However, before I delved into that, let me first give a background of the blue economy concept. The blue economy as defined by the World Bank is “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”.
4. The blue economy encompasses a broad range of economic activities such as maritime shipping; ship building and repairs, ports infrastructure and services; coastal tourism; fishing and aquaculture; offshore renewable energy generation; seabed mining; underwater cabling; marine biotechnology (pharmaceuticals and chemicals); maritime education, research, and consultancy services; marine habitat protection and restoration; water desalination and waste disposal.
5. Nigeria, with a coastline of 853 kilometers bordering the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of Guinea and a maritime area of 46,000 square kilometers, has significant and diverse marine resources. We have an exclusive economic zone of over 200 nautical miles, and only recently it was extended by 16, 300 square kilometers, which is about five times the size of Lagos State. Nigeria also has a vast inland waterways resource estimated at 10, 000kms, capable of supporting a vibrant intra-regional trade. We are blessed with strategic navigational routes linking Africa with North and South America, Europe, and Asia, making the maritime sector a major driver of our country’s economy.
6. The blue economy sector, therefore, holds immense benefits for the teeming youths of our dear country as it provides opportunities for innovation, sustainable growth, and rewarding careers. Notably, the University of Lagos is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the potential of the blue economy, given its lagoon front location and close proximity to the coastal environment, making it inclined from inception to the blue economy.
7. The economic potential of our blue economy is enormous and astounding. In specific terms, I would like to highlight some of the career opportunities within the sector:

Career Opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy

8. Shipping and Ship Building:

8.1     Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture: A career in Marine Engineering or Naval Architecture can be highly rewarding. These fields involve designing and building ships, offshore platforms, and other marine structures. The technical expertise and innovative thinking required in these areas make them essential to the development of our maritime infrastructure.

8.2     Ship Recycling and Ship Repairs: There are significant prospects in ship building, ship repair yards, and dry docking. These areas support vessel construction, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of our maritime fleet.

8.3     Cadet Training and Seafaring: Seafarers are the backbone of the maritime industry, responsible for operating and maintaining ships that facilitate global trade and transport. Accredited Maritime Training Institutions in Nigeria and abroad offer cadetship training, enabling cadets to man different types of vessels and become seafarers.

8.4     Freight Forwarding: Students pursuing degrees in business administration, management, or transport and logistics can explore careers in shipping logistics management. This field entails planning, coordinating, and overseeing the transportation of goods, which is crucial for global trade and commerce

8.5     Shipbroking and Chartering: Shipbrokers and charterers play a critical role in the maritime trade by negotiating and arranging the hiring of ships for transporting goods, ensuring smooth and profitable operations.

9. Ports and Related Services:

9.1     Port Management: Careers in port management involve overseeing the operations of ports, ensuring efficient cargo handling, and coordinating with various stakeholders. This role is vital for maintaining smooth logistics and trade operations. Within ports we have various professionals such as Deck/Navigation Officers who ensure the safe navigation or movement of vessels; Pilot Officers that guide vessels safely to and fro navigational channel and berths; Vessel Service Traffic Officers that control and manage vessel traffic in the port domain or pilotage district limit, etc.

­– Oyetola is the minister of Marine and Blue Economy

9.2     Cybersecurity and Data Science: As the future of maritime transport evolves, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Science is becoming increasingly crucial. This includes its use in vessel monitoring and tracking, marine robotics, autonomous shipping, and maritime data analytics, creating new and exciting career opportunities.

10. Maritime Professional Services:

10.1    Maritime Law and Policy: For those with a background in law, specializing in maritime law and policy offers a unique career path. This involves understanding and navigating the complex regulations and policies governing international maritime law, ensuring compliance, and fostering international cooperation.

10.2    Marine Insurance: Marine insurance is a critical aspect of the maritime value chain. There are growing opportunities in the marine insurance sub-sector, covering hull and machinery, cargoes, and passengers’ risks. This sector ensures the smooth operation of maritime activities by mitigating financial risks.

10.3    Maritime Research and Development: Engaging in maritime research and development involves working on innovative technologies and solutions to address challenges in the maritime sector, fostering growth and sustainability.

10.4    Maritime Education and Training: As we expand our maritime sector, the demand for qualified educators and trainers has increased. There are large opportunities in establishing and managing maritime institutions for training cadets and officers. Youths with a passion for teaching can contribute to developing future maritime professionals.

11. Subsea Operations:

11.1    Hydrography and Geophysics: Youths with backgrounds in hydrography and geophysics can contribute significantly to maritime navigation and resource exploration. Hydrographers map underwater terrains for safe navigation and construction, while geophysicists explore underwater geological formations for resource extraction and environmental assessments.

11.2    Marine Biotechnology: Marine biotechnology focuses on the application of marine biological processes and organisms to develop new products and technologies for use in medicine, industry, and environmental management.

11.3    Underwater Welding and Diving: Specialized careers in underwater welding and diving are crucial for constructing and maintaining underwater structures. These roles require technical skills and training in diving safety and welding techniques.

11.4    Seabed Mining: Seabed mining involves various activities focused on the exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources from the ocean floor. This field combines aspects of marine geology, engineering, environmental science, and technology

12. Ecosystem Services:

12.1    Marine Environmental Management: Youths with degrees in environmental science, biology, or related fields can find fulfilling careers in marine environmental management. This field focuses on the study and preservation of marine ecosystems. Protecting our marine environment is crucial for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

12.2    Maritime Safety and Security: Careers in maritime safety and security focus on protecting maritime assets and ensuring the safety of maritime operations. This includes roles in coast guard services, maritime surveillance, and emergency response.

13. Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture:

13.1    Fisheries and Aquaculture: Careers in fisheries and aquaculture involve the sustainable management and cultivation of fish and other aquatic organisms. This sector is vital for food security and economic development.

13.2    Seafood Processing: This niche focuses on the processing, packaging, and distribution of seafood products. It also ensures quality control and efficient production processes to meet market demands.

13.3    Fisheries Science: This specialised role in marine fisheries often involves fieldwork and collaboration with other researchers. They provide scientific advice for sustainable fisheries management and conservation efforts.

14. Coastal Tourism:

14.1    Marine Tourism and Recreation: This field includes managing marine tourism activities, such as cruise operations, marine parks, and recreational water sports; promoting tourism and contributing to economic growth.

14.2    Travel Agency and Consultation: Opportunities in this field comprise of travel planning services, including booking accommodations, transportation, and tours for tourists.

14.3    Tourism Conservation and Development: This field allows for collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to develop and promote tourism infrastructure and initiatives through research, advocacy, and the implementation of conservation projects.

15. Marine Renewable Energy

15.1    Renewable Energy Projects Development: These careers involve the development of marine renewable energy projects from inception to completion. Developers typically coordinate with stakeholders, secure permits, and ensure project milestones are met.

15.2    Project Engineering: Opportunities in marine renewable energy involve the design and development of renewable energy projects to harness energy from ocean resources, such as wind tidal and wave energy.

Initiatives to Develop the Blue Economy Sector

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to growing the sector through various policies and initiatives. The Ministry aims to: (i) strengthen the legislative and policy framework governing the sector by publishing the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by December 2024; (ii) rehabilitate and modernize existing port infrastructure, and facilitate the development of new deep sea ports; (iii) improve port efficiency through full interconnectivity with road and rail networks, and automation of port processes; and (iv) promote sustainable investments in the sector to create jobs for Nigerian youths.

Job Creation for Nigerian Youths in the Marine and Blue Economy

Like I said earlier, the current administration places high premium on education, but it also acknowledges the fact that conventional approaches have yielded minimal impacts and change. It is, therefore, exploring new and innovative ways to tackle several age long problems in our educational institutions. And one of such problems is employment for our teeming number of graduates. Our potential and capacity to excel in any field of knowledge is not in doubt. This, has been proven beyond our shores. The Federal Government remains undaunted and will continue to seek the right mix of policies to surmount these challenges. The major drive of the government in this regard, is to enrich the economy through diversification and spur private enterprise to thrive and drive employment generation so as to engender the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of Mr. President. To this end, we have set a target to create job opportunities in the marine and blue economy for the teaming youths in Nigeria. In this regard, we are putting in place the following measures to enhance job creation for the youth in the sector:

       Training Programmes: We will facilitate specialized training programs and certifications by the private sector to equip youths with the necessary skills for various maritime careers.

       Exchange Programmes: Facilitating the establishment of exchange programs between Nigerian universities and international maritime institutes to expose Nigerian students to global best practices and advanced technologies.

       Partnerships: Forming partnerships with international maritime organizations and educational institutions to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building.

       Internships: Encouraging private sector companies operating in the maritime sector to offer internships and apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on experience for students.

       Scholarships: Providing scholarships for students pursuing maritime studies to ensure access to quality education and training.

Conclusion

The marine and blue economy sector is a dynamic and diverse field that offers numerous career paths for students with various interests and skills. The government’s commitment to strengthening blue governance and transforming port operations, coupled with targeted initiatives to enhance job creation, create a robust foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Nigerian youths are urged to explore these opportunities, pursue their passions, and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s blue economy. As you are all aware, the certificates that you will receive from this university at the end of your programme are awarded to you on the basis of character and learning. In the order of importance, character comes before learning. It is character that opens the door to knowledge and keeps it open until you are done with your courses and a degree is awarded to you. I, therefore, urge you as youths to shun vices that could hinder your growth. Embrace hard work, discipline, decency, and selflessness that would make you responsible members of society.

The world is replete with persons of talents but is looking for persons of character, who are in short supply. I, therefore, enjoin you to be good ambassadors of the university and Nigeria by displaying the highest level of character anywhere you find yourself. Your future is bright, and the maritime industry awaits your talents and ambitions. Together, we can build a prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria. I look forward to a future where our young professionals drive the success of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

I thank you for listening. God bless you all.