Nigeria is committed to enhancing seafaring profession—Oyetola

 

Maureen Aguta

 

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the Federal Government is committed to enhancing the seafaring profession.

The Minister gave the assurance at the occasion of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Day of the Seafarers celebration on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship“.

He disclosed that the government is prioritizing quality training of the seafarers by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning the Nigerian seafarer education with international standards.

“We are committed to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships. These steps are vital to ensure our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.

“Additionally, the government is investing in seafarers welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety,” Oyetola said.

The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government is building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements. He added that the Ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

His words: “We are also advancing the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers.” “Today, we celebrate you, our seafarers, not just for your labour but for your courage. We pledge to continue building a maritime sector that values, protects, and empowers you, Adegboyega assured.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, affirmed that the Authority is working in close alignment with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other stakeholders to ensure Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and the country a seafarer-friendly nation.

Dr Dantsoho was represented at the event by the Executive Director Marine and Operations, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, saluted the courage, resilience, and invaluable contribution of seafarers, who remain at the heart of global trade and maritime sustainability.

He said, through turbulent seas and in the face of unpredictable global challenges, including pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate threats, “our seafarers have continued to deliver.” “They ensure that food, fuel, medicine, and critical supplies reach our shores. For that, we owe them not only our gratitude, but our unwavering commitment to their welfare and career development”.

He reiterated that the Authority is deeply committed to providing an enabling environment that supports the growth of Nigeria’s maritime workforce. Specifically, the Authority is:

1 Investing in modern port infrastructure such as Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to ensure safer navigation and berthing of vessels.

2 Promoting capacity development through collaborations with maritime academies and training institutions.

3 Supporting the revalidation of STCW certificates and continuous professional development.

4.Advocating for decent working conditions, fair treatment, and mental health support for all seafarers, Dantsoho said.

He, however, noted that there is still much work to be done, saying as the shipping industry embraces automation, digitalization, and green technologies, “we must ensure that seafarers are not left behind.”

To this end, the Authority according to him is prioritizing; Inclusive training programs to bridge the gap between traditional seamanship and modern maritime operations; Gender diversity, by creating more opportunities for women and young professionals in seafaring, and The safety and dignity of our seafarers, both at sea and ashore.

He said as government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, “we should renew our commitment to making Nigeria a hub of excellence for seafaring talent.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember that without seafarers, shipping simply doesn’t happen. Seafarers are not just part of the industry but they are the lifeblood of the Shipping Industry.

“To every seafarer flying the Nigerian flag or serving aboard international vessels, we see you, we salute you, and we stand with you,” Dantsoho said.