Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has commenced moves to replace foreign seafarers with qualified Nigerian seafarers.
Meanwhile the agency plans to commence the third phase of the National Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP.
Speaking yesterday at the 2024 World Seafarers’ Day in Lagos, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola said that certain positions such as Ratings and Officer of the Watch will be designated as “no longer available” for foreign Seafarers to occupy.Mobereola also said that some other positions may be considered based on merit for foreigners to occupy.
He explained that the Agency is exploring avenues to create jobs for local seafarers, including collaborating with government agencies like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
He said: “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade. They brave challenging conditions, ensuring over 80% of the world’s trade reaches its destination. Their dedication strengthens not only the international economy, but more importantly, the well-being of their home nation, Nigeria.
“However, we recognize the humongous challenges seafarers face, including war zones, pirates, and exposure to health risks. We also acknowledge that some basic rights, such as proper insurance and compensation, are not always guaranteed. This is a call to action for all stakeholders’ government, ship-owners, and us at NIMASA – to address these issues and prioritize seafarer welfare.
“I wish to state that the Agency’s human capacity building initiatives have resulted in the training and retraining of Nigerian Seafarers to acquire the required skills in line with industry needs. We have prioritized the training programmes/courses to enable the seafarers acquire the relevant advanced certificates that will enhance their employment opportunities.
“In the area of employment of Seafarers, the Agency through the introduction of the New Cabotage Compliance Strategy on Manning has ensured that all foreign Seafarer Ratings and some category of officers onboard Cabotage Vessels are immediately replaced with qualified Nigerian Seafarers.
“The Third phase of the Nigerian Seafarers’ Development program aims to graduate 435 officers. Many trainees are currently undergoing mandatory sea-time training on-board ocean going vessels. The challenge lies in securing placements for these qualified seafarers, but we are working to resolve this issue.
“The Agency is exploring avenues to create jobs for our seafarers, including collaborating with government agencies like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).”
SOURCE: VANGUARD