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By Philip Nwosu
The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has called for increased investment in knowledge, innovation and sustainable policies to safeguard the future of the oceans and promote environmental sustainability.
The Director-General of IMION, Dr Thaddeus Udofia, made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Reimagine: Beyond the World We Know, A New Relationship with Our Ocean,” Udofia described the occasion as a timely reminder that the ocean is far more than a resource for economic exploitation, stressing that it remains a critical life-support system that sustains livelihoods, biodiversity, international trade and global prosperity.
According to him, the United Nations’ observance of World Oceans Day challenges nations and communities to rethink their relationship with the ocean and adopt sustainable approaches that protect and restore marine ecosystems.
“For Nigeria, this call is particularly significant. With over 853 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the nation’s future prosperity is closely linked to the sustainable development of its maritime resources,” Udofia said.
He noted that as African countries increasingly embrace the Blue Economy as a key driver of economic growth, the demand for highly skilled professionals, sound policies and innovative research has become more critical than ever.
The IMION Director-General explained that it was in response to this growing need that the Nigerian Navy established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria as a specialised institution dedicated to research, training and policy advocacy within the Blue Economy sector.
According to him, the institute is focused on building the human and institutional capacity required to strengthen ocean governance, maritime safety and security, marine technology, transport systems, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
“Through research, capacity building and strategic partnerships, IMION is building the talent pipeline and institutional capacity required to strengthen ocean governance, maritime safety and security, marine technology, transport systems, climate resilience and sustainable resource management,” he stated.
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Udofia added that as a Centre of Excellence, the institute remains committed to supporting Nigeria and countries within the Gulf of Guinea region with the expertise and knowledge needed to unlock the vast opportunities of the Blue Economy while preserving marine and coastal ecosystems for future generations.
The retired naval officer also highlighted the significance of the recently observed World Environment Day 2026, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” noting that it further underscores the urgency of collective action against climate change and environmental degradation.
He warned that rising global temperatures, coastal erosion, flooding, biodiversity loss and other climate-related challenges are becoming increasingly evident and can no longer be treated as secondary issues in national development planning.
“For maritime nations such as Nigeria, the futures of the environment and the ocean are inseparable. Climate change directly affects ocean health, fisheries, coastal communities, maritime infrastructure and economic productivity,” he said.
Udofia stressed that addressing these challenges requires evidence-based policymaking, stronger environmental governance, technological innovation and sustained investment in human capital development.
He therefore called on governments, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, development partners and local communities to strengthen collaboration in advancing sustainable maritime development and climate resilience initiatives.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to build a thriving Blue Economy that simultaneously promotes economic growth, environmental stewardship and social prosperity through research, education and policy innovation.
“As the world reflects on these important global observances, IMION reaffirms its commitment to advancing knowledge, shaping policy and developing the expertise needed to secure a sustainable ocean and a healthier environment for present and future generations,” the statement added.
The institute’s position comes amid growing global concerns over climate change, marine pollution and the sustainable management of ocean resources, issues that continue to shape international discussions on environmental protection and economic development.
