Nigeria partners ITF-UK for seafarers’ infrastructural development

Nigeria has secured the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) United Kingdom (UK) grant to build a seafarers recreation centre that will serve as a rallying point for in-country and regional seafarers as well as those on board vessels during port calls.

The Head ITF Seafarers Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, who disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Lagos over the weekend, said the grant was approved after a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s suitability.

She commended the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their commitment to seafarers’ wellbeing, which necessitated the approval of the grant.

According to Higginbottom, the center will serve not only Nigerian seafarers but also others in the West African region and beyond.

“The grant approval process endured three years of rigorous assessment and we are satisfied that it is safe to invest in the Nigerian maritime industry. Our visit to Nigeria is for site inspection so the project can commence,” Higginbottom said.

On his part, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, appreciated the ITF for trusting Nigeria with Direct Foreign Fund Investment, while assuring that it will be judiciously utilised.

The minister said seafarers are the real drivers of the maritime industry as they sacrifice a lot for human existence while spending most of their time away from family and onboard vessels. Oyetola assured that the Federal Government, through the ministry, will closely monitor the project and ensure judicious use of the grant.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, restated the commitment of the agency, under the supervision of the Ministry, to continuously invest in the well-being of seafarers.

He said NIMASA considers this as a major infrastructural capital development for seafarers’ welfare, noting that the project will go a long way in improving the mental health of seafarers and assist their social integration, having spent much of their time out there on the seas.

The President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, noted that the quest to better the lot of seafarers and the current financial situation in the country, informed the union’s decision to seek funding from the United Kingdom-based ITF.