The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to expose seafarers to specialized training that will enable them to perform expert tasks on board vessels.
The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who made this known today in Lagos at the World Maritime Day, 2021 celebration with the theme: ‘Seafarers at the Core of Shipping’s Future “.:
According to the Minister, “The Federal government is committed to ensuring that cadets undergo adequate sea time training. The National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) sponsored by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will be strengthened to intensify engagement with reputable shipping companies to achieve higher output.”
The Minister expressed concern over the Seafarers Workforce Report that there could be shortage in officers by 2026, noting that there is the need to actively promote careers at sea needed for a greener and more digitally connected maritime industry. “
“The real concerns and unresolved difficulties that could see seafarers turning away from careers in shipping must be addressed. Nigeria will continue to analyze and respond to trends in seafarers’ retention and regularly monitor the nation’s seafarer workforce.to ensure that the Standard of training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) certified seafarer keep pace with global demand”, he said.
Speaking virtually, the Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Ruquayyah Saraki, called on the government to establish a strong and sustainable National Fleet and empower indigenous ship-owners, as the situation whereby foreigners control freight business in the country is unacceptable.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said World Maritime day is celebrated in September every year “to increase the visibility of seafarers and the invaluable role the play,” in sustaining global economy.
In his remarks, the Chief host, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said Nigeria needs to consolidate her position as the maritime hub of West and Central Africa by harnessing her maritime resources and ensuring safety and security in her territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Danjuma Gone who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Tolu Odebiyi, said seafarers are the most critical stakeholders in the marine domain, therefore they must be recognized and their challenges resolves.
In the same vein, the Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transpor,t Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Lynda Ikpazu, was represented by Hon. Babatunde Humpe of Badegry Federal Constituency, urged the The Transportation, Minister to fasttrack the completion of the Lekki Deep Seapore
The occasion had in attendance, Directòrs of the Ministry, Heads of Agencies, Regional and International partners among others.
Eric Ojiekwe
D, PPR
Srptember 30, 2021