By Steve Agbota [email protected]
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has outlined ambitious plans to elevate Nigerian seafarers to international standards. His vision is to enable Nigerian maritime professionals to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy by repatriating foreign exchange, akin to the $26 billion annual contributions made by seafarers in the Philippines and India.
In a recent interface with journalists in Lagos, Mobereola emphasised the potential of Nigerian seafarers. He stated, “I am confident that very soon, our energetic and motivated young seafarers will be given ample opportunities. We understand the substantial benefits that countries like the Philippines and India have reaped from their maritime sectors. Their seafarers contribute $26 billion annually to their economies.”
Mobereola highlighted that Nigerian cadets are equally capable, noting, “Our cadets are proficient in English, hardworking, and intelligent. They seek the right training and certification, and the international shipping industry is actively seeking talented seafarers. We are committed to ensuring that our maritime professionals are well-prepared to meet global standards and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
Additionally, Mobereola addressed various other aspects of the maritime industry, underscoring NIMASA’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s position in the global maritime sector.
He also spoke about other issues in the maritime industry.
Reviewing the NIMASA Act
The NIMASA Act of 2007 is currently under review. The new NIMASA bill now includes regulations for infrastructure operating in both blue and black waters, as well as smaller vessels and boats. Previously, many maritime dangers were caused by smaller boats involved in piracy and sea robberies, rather than large vessels. The revised bill aims to ensure that every boat in Nigerian waters is regulated, registered, and monitored for its activities. This update is a key part of our efforts to enhance maritime safety and oversight.
Misconceptions between NIMASA, NPA, and the Shippers’ Council
While we acknowledge the misconceptions among stakeholders, it is crucial that discussions and critiques are viewed as serving the industry’s best interests rather than personal biases. We encourage stakeholders to continue comparing our practices with international standards and advising us on improvements for NPA and the Shippers’ Council. Even though we are all part of the same sector, clear boundaries are necessary to ensure effective collaboration for the benefit of the Blue Economy Ministry and the President.
Plight of Nigerian cadets studying at Centurion University
Regarding the Centurion University cadets, we have not yet decided on their return. We are currently reviewing the school’s processes to ensure that the students will be well-prepared and employable upon graduation. Our goal is to invest resources wisely, avoiding sending students abroad only for them to return inadequately trained. We are committed to providing a robust platform for their development and will update you on our decisions as they are made.
The state of the N50 billion modular floating dock
We are addressing the responsibility of managing the N50 billion modular floating dock, which we inspected last week. Various proposals have been considered, but we aim to make a sound decision to ensure the dock generates revenue, supports cadet development, and benefits the maritime sector. We are working diligently to make this facility operational and will keep you informed of our progress.
Delay in disbursement of CVFF
Regarding the CVFF, past disbursements were mismanaged, benefiting neither the nation nor the shipowners. We are focusing on developing strategies that ensure future disbursements support the growth of the Nigerian shipping industry and do not suffer from past mistakes. We are considering both national and international factors to ensure that vessels supported by CVFF will have steady cargoes and contribute positively to the sector.
Issues Surrounding Certification of Competency (COC) for Nigerian Cadets
We are actively working on the Certification of Competency (COC) for cadets. It is important to finalize a comprehensive agreement with training providers before making details public. Our aim is to ensure that Nigerian cadets receive high-quality training and certification, making them competitive in the international shipping industry. We appreciate your patience as we work towards this goal.
NIMASA’s mandates in coastal states
We are making progress in Bayelsa and plan to address Delta soon. Each coastal state has unique needs and challenges, so we are engaging with them individually to develop tailored solutions. We are also collaborating with NIWA to enhance safety awareness and reduce vessel capsizing in both deep and brown waters. Effective planning and implementation are key to our success, and we are committed to achieving meaningful results.
Unpaid retirees
We are addressing the issue of unpaid retirees, many of whom have passed away. We are working with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to gather data and expedite payments to those still living. The Minister is dedicated to resolving this issue promptly.