NIMASA to address rejection of Nigerian-certified seafarers

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has committed to strengthening its diplomatic relationships with key shipping nations to bolster the employment prospects of Nigerian-certified seafarers.

This initiative, announced by NIMASA’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, in Lagos, aims to address the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian seafarers seeking opportunities on internationally flagged ships.

Nigerian-certified seafarers have long faced barriers to employment aboard vessels flagged by other countries due to the lack of bilateral trade agreements between Nigeria and these nations.

These agreements are essential in ensuring the mutual recognition of seafarers’ qualifications and facilitating their employment across borders. Mobereola emphasised that under his leadership, NIMASA would prioritise forging diplomatic ties and formalising clear Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that explicitly address Nigeria’s maritime interests in international partnerships.

“We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are given fair opportunities globally. Strengthening our diplomatic relations will be key to achieving this goal,” he stated.

In addition to improving diplomatic efforts, NIMASA is also working on addressing specific challenges related to the certification of Nigerian seafarers. Mobereola acknowledged the limitations associated with the current issuance of Certificates of Competency (COCs) and the Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) certifications, which fall short of the globally recognised Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificates.

The agency is exploring measures to ensure Nigerian seafarers possess qualifications that meet international standards, thereby enhancing their employability.

Meanwhile, NIMASA is contemplating the withdrawal of over 300 cadets enrolled in the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) from Centurion University in India.

This potential move comes amid growing concerns about the quality of education and training provided by the institution. Mobereola emphasised that while no final decision has been made, the agency is thoroughly reviewing the situation to determine if the current educational arrangements are in the best interest of the cadets.

“We have not decided to bring those students back home. What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry?” he stated.

The Director-General stressed the importance of ensuring the cadets return to Nigeria as competent and employable maritime professionals, ready to contribute to the country’s maritime sector. He reassured that the agency’s primary concern is the future and well-being of the cadets.

“These are the issues on our table right now, and we deliberate on them daily. I assure you that when we develop the best approach, it will be clear that we are acting in the cadets’ best interest, not our own,” he added.

Furthermore, Mobereola provided updates on broader initiatives underway at NIMASA, including the ongoing review of the NIMASA Act of 2007. He said the revised legislation is expected to introduce comprehensive regulations for all maritime infrastructure with a particular emphasis on smaller vessels frequently involved in illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies.