The status of the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology has become a subject of confusion following inconsistencies contained in the 2025 federal budget.
Despite previous reports indicating that both institutions had been moved to the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, findings by our correspondent reveal that their budget allocations were still captured under the Ministry of Agriculture, where they had been for several years
This development has raised concerns about the implementation of the federal government’s decision to streamline relevant institutions under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Recall that the ministry, which was established to harness Nigeria’s ocean and maritime resources, was also expected to assume oversight of some key agencies critical to its objectives.
However, the continued inclusion of the institutions’ 2025 budgets under the Ministry of Agriculture has left stakeholders uncertain about administrative and operational control.
A review of the 2025 budget details shows substantial allocations to both institutions. The Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research received funding for facility maintenance, research equipment acquisition, and capacity development, with over ₦60 million specifically earmarked for landscaping and facility up-keep.
Similarly, the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology was allocated approximately ₦1.2 billion for personnel costs, including salaries and allowances, while ₦1.3 billion was designated for capital projects such as infrastructure development and asset procurement.
The lack of clarity surrounding the institutions’ actual oversight ministry has sparked concerns among industry players and observers.
A maritime sector personnel who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as counter-productive to the government’s blue economy agenda. He noted that the mis-alignment between policy pronouncements and budgetary documentation could undermine the effective administration of these agencies.
“This confusion about the administrative control of these institutions is a serious issue. These agencies are critical to achieving the objectives of the blue economy. The government needs to resolve this immediately to avoid operational setbacks,” the official stated.
Also, in a chat with our correspondent, Mr Sesan Ajayi, President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), expressed confusion over the situation. He said, “they are currently under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. If you visit their offices, you will see that their activities are now aligned with the ministry, including the display of the minister’s portrait. So, I don’t understand why their budget is still under the Ministry of Agriculture. Most of the initiatives outlined by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy involve these institutions. This is quite confusing.”
Reacting to the confusion, Prof. Sule Abiodun, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, confirmed that the institute now operates under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. However, he noted that certain administrative and legislative processes may be delaying a complete transition.
“There is no dispute about it. Administratively, we are now with Marine and Blue Economy. However, there are technicalities involved, particularly in terms of appropriation and inter-ministerial coordination. These are mere systemic issues that require proper documentation”, he stated.
Similarly, Capt. Fola Ojutalayo, a senior lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, confirmed that the college now operates under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. However, he attributed the budget’s inclusion under the Ministry of Agriculture to bureaucratic transition delays. He said, “The transition between ministries may take some time, but I believe everything will eventually be sorted out. This is beyond what the college can control, but I am confident that it will be properly addressed in due course.”
Lending his voice to the issue as well, a source in the ministry of Marine and Blue economy said, the Minister, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola is currently working to resolve the issues. “It is just an administrative problem that will be resolved soonest”, he said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the ministry of Agriculture was unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
