The National Assembly has pledged to provide adequate budgetary support for seafarers training as well as strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to improving the safety, welfare, professional development and protecting the rights of Nigerian seafarers.

The commitment was conveyed on Thursday during the commemoration of the Day of the Seafarer, held worldwide every year on June 25 with the theme: “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks.”

Speaking at the event organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos, the Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Kadijat Ibrahim, described seafarers as indispensable contributors to the nation’s economy and global trade, noting that the National Assembly recognises the enormous sacrifices made by seafarers and is determined to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure their rights, welfare, training, development and safety remain a priority to the government.

Ibrahim who as represented by the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uduak Odudoh, while referring to the recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, stressed that the sacrifices made by maritime workers deserve more than recognition, insisting that their welfare and safety must be treated as fundamental rights.

“As lawmakers, we acknowledge this, and the House Committee maintains that seafarers’ safety and welfare are essential rights, not casual benefits, and they must be anchored on robust laws and active implementation,” she said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Eshinlokun Sanni, assured maritime stakeholders that the Senate would continue to collaborate with NIMASA through improved funding and legislative backing.

Eshinlokun emphasised that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that resources are made available for the training of Nigerian seafarers, describing human capital development as critical to the country’s maritime growth.

The lawmaker stressed that greater investment in maritime education, certification programmes and professional development initiatives would position Nigerian seafarers to compete more effectively in the global maritime labour market.

Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stressed that ongoing efforts to modernise maritime infrastructure and regulatory systems are laying a stronger foundation for the growth, welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.

Oyetola, who as represented by the Executive Director, Marine Safety and Security at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Musa Makoji, provided details of the proposed national carrier, explaining that the project would create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers through increased sea-time placements, expanded employment prospects, development of local maritime expertise and sustainable career advancement pathways.

Oyetola identified access to sea-time training as one of the most critical challenges confronting aspiring Nigerian seafarers and disclosed that the ministry is working with industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for cadet placement and practical training to ensure certification translates into employability.

He said the Ministry will continue to enforce applicable regulations and labour standards to ensure that Nigerian seafarers are treated fairly and that employers uphold their obligations under national and international maritime instruments.

Speaking earlier, the Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the welfare, safety and professional development of seafarers, while recognising their critical role in sustaining global trade and economic growth.

Mobereola revealed that the agency has trained over 2,759 cadets in maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

The Director General further stated that NIMASA has strengthened compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and supported improvements in the conditions of service for Nigerian seafarers.

He also added that the adoption of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) international wage scale has significantly improved earnings for Nigerian seafarers.