.Nigerians troop to Ghana, pay $10,000 for training, license
Nigeria seafarers have found themselves at a significant disadvantage position in securing employment on foreign vessels, primarily due to the Federal Government’s failure to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with shipping maritime nations.
This diplomatic oversight by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) hampers the international mobility and employment prospects of seafaring license holders from Nigeria.
During a discussion on Maritime TV Africa about the impact of government policies on seafarers, the co-founder of the Maritime Officers Forum Nigeria, Jeremiah Emmanuel, highlighted the rejection of Nigerian seafaring licenses by foreign liners.
These rejections are attributed to concerns over Nigeria’s international image, the absence of MoUs between NIMASA and significant maritime nations, and challenges related to obtaining passports.
Emmanuel contrasted the situation of Nigerian seafarers with their counterparts in Cameroon and Ghana, noting the latter’s MoUs with over 30 shipping nations, including a recent agreement with the United Kingdom.
He said these partnerships afford Ghanaian seafarers greater employment opportunities on international vessels, unlike their Nigerian peers, who are often confined to operating within national waters.
According to him, the disparity is not only a matter of international agreements but also extends to the quality and scope of maritime training and licensing.
Emmanuel, who is currently onboard an American vessel, called for the scrapping of Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) and less than 3, 000 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) limitations from the Officer of the Watch (OOW) licence issued by NIMASA, as it is not applicable anywhere in the world.
He said such restrictions as the NCV and GRT limitations can potentially hinder employment opportunities for seafarers on international vessels, as these limitations are not universally recognised.
Emmanuel revealed that Nigerian seafarers, in pursuit of broader opportunities, are increasingly turning to Ghana for training, where obtaining an OOW or Class 2 certificate can cost around $10,000.
However, Emmanuel cautioned against this, saying Ghana has begun imposing NCV limitations on management licenses for Nigerian seafarers, a restriction not typically found elsewhere.
He said this situation underscores a broader issue within the Nigerian maritime sector, including the lack of insurance and adequate support for seafarers, contrasting sharply with the standards abroad.
According to him, urgent action is needed from the Nigerian government and NIMASA to align with global standards, establish necessary international MoUs, and remove unnecessary restrictions on Nigerian seafarers’ licenses.
He said such measures are essential for enhancing the employment prospects of Nigerian seafarers on the global stage and ensuring their welfare and professional development.
