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NIMASA To Train 435 Cadets in Third Phase of NSDP, Sacks Foreign Seafarers Onboard Cabotage Vessels
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Departments' head, Abdulkadir Ahmed (middle) proses with the award given to the company by NIMASA. Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Babatunde Bombata (right) and the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola at the 2024 Seafarers Day celebration in Lagos.
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced that the Third phase of the Nigerian Seafarers’ Development Program (NSDP) aims to graduate 435 officers.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola stated this at Day of the Seafarer 2024 celebration with the theme; Navigating the Future: Safety First, held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Dr Mobereola said many trainees are currently undergoing mandatory sea-time training on-board ocean going vessels. He however said the challenge lies in securing placements for these qualified seafarers, but that NIMASA is working to resolve the challenge.
According to him, the Agency is exploring avenues to create jobs for seafarers, including collaborating with government agencies like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
“In the area of employment of Seafarers, the Agency through the introduction of the New Cabotage Compliance Strategy on Manning has ensured that all foreign Seafarer Ratings and some category of officers onboard Cabotage Vessels are immediately replaced with qualified Nigerian Seafarers.
“Soon, certain positions such as Ratings and Officer of the Watch will be designated as “no longer available” for foreign Seafarers to occupy. However, some other positions may be considered based on merit for foreigners to occupy.
“Let me inform this esteemed gathering, that the Agency is working tirelessly to strengthen its legal framework by domesticating all Maritime Labour related ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria. These conventions include the Maritime Labour Conventions (MLC) 2006 as amended, the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention as amended, and the Dock Work Convention.
Also delivering a keynote speech, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry, which is essential to the success of the Blue Economy.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government is committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration; “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” aligns with the vision of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy.
“Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. They endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and the myriads of challenges that come with navigating some of the world’s busiest and most perilous waters. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade”, he said.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, gave the assurance that the Federal Government remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers. “We are committed to providing comprehensive training programmes, enforcing stringent safety regulations, and offering continuous support to ensure our seafarers are among the best trained and most resilient in the world. We are dedicated to building on this foundation, ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime landscape”, he said.
Furthermore, he pledged the Ministry’s resolve to prioritize the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, noting that it’s development of the sector will greatly benefit all Nigerians and future generations. “We are working closely with stakeholders in the private sector, international organizations, and other government agencies to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Maritime and Blue Economy”, he stated.
He also used the opportunity to call for stakeholders’ support in the development of the sector, noting that the Ministry cannot undertake the task alone.
“This celebration of World Seafarers Day presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging issues and propose innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector. We must remain resolute and deliberate in promoting the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, as the Ministry cannot achieve this alone”.
On their part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, along with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, applauded the seafarers for their resilience and assured them of the Government’s continuous support to guarantee their well-being.
They assured of the readiness of the National Assembly to work with NIMASA and other stakeholders to support any legislation aimed at advancing the rights and safety of all seafarers. “Together, let us continue to strive for a maritime world that is equitable and inclusive for all,” Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun stated.
Present at the celebration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarers were the President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Shola Adewumi; President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adewale Adeyanju; President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Sonny Eja; Regional Director, Africa Mission to Seafarers, Cedric Rautenbach; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), who joined virtually, emphasized that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector. She also commended NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.
Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed gratitude to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders took turns to praise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy, urging governments to continue supporting them through favorable policies that will enhance their wellbeing in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
They include President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Hassan; among others.”
The International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated annually on June 25 to recognize the contributions of seafarers to international seaborne trade and the world economy as a whole. The day is organized by the International Maritime Organization and recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
