Nigeria Seafarers Will Remain Competitive, Globally Employable – Oyetola

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.

He disclosed this at the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration titled, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The minister further stated that the ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

“We are committed to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships. These steps are vital to ensure our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.

“Additionally, the government is investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

“We are building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements. The

Ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

“We are also advancing the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers. The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by NIMASA alongside industry unions and employers, sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution. NIMASA continues to enforce flag and port state controls and promote Nigeria’s presence in global shipping, ensuring our seafarers are well-protected and respected internationally.”

The former governor of Osun State also stated that the Ministry is building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.

“The government is investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

“We are building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements. The Ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

“We are also advancing the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers. The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by NIMASA alongside industry unions and employers, sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution.

“NIMASA continues to enforce flag and port state controls and promote Nigeria’s presence in global shipping, ensuring our seafarers are well-protected and respected internationally.”
Oyetola also warned that harassment and bullying have no place in the nation’s maritime industry.

According to the minister, the 2025 theme, speaks to the nation’s collective duty to make every ship a safe, respectful workplace.

He argued that the federal government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is committed to enhancing the seafaring profession.

This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe, respectful workplace. Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.

“The federal government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is committed to enhancing the seafaring profession. We are prioritising quality training by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning our seafarer education with international standards.”

We are committed to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships. These steps are vital to ensure our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.