Reps Task Maritime Academy On Fiscal Discipline, Accountability

House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has charged the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, in Akwa Ibom state, to demonstrate a high level of fiscal discipline, accountability and strategic planning.

The chairman of the committee, Hon. Khadija Waziri-Bukar Ibrahim, gave the charge when the acting rector of the academy, Dr Kevin Okonna, appeared before the panel for the institution’s 2026 budget defence in Abuja yesterday.

Ibrahim said the institution remains central to Nigeria’s maritime capacity development and human capital advancement, adding that the sector is a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy.

“It supports international trade, enhances national security, and creates employment opportunities for our teeming youth. As a foremost training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, plays a critical role in producing skilled manpower required to sustain and grow this sector.

“However, we are not unmindful of the challenges confronting the Academy, ranging from infrastructure deficits, training equipment gaps, accreditation requirements, to the need for modern simulation facilities that meet global maritime standards. These issues must be adequately reflected in your budget proposals, with clear justifications and measurable outcomes,” she said.

Ibrahim said the Committee is committed to supporting initiatives that will enhance the quality of maritime education and training; improve infrastructure and learning facilities; strengthen staff capacity and welfare; promote international certifications and standards compliance; and ensure prudent and transparent use of public funds.

“At the same time, we expect the Management of the Academy to demonstrate a high level of fiscal discipline, accountability, and strategic planning. Budgetary allocations must translate into tangible improvements that can be seen and felt by cadets, staff, and the nation at large.

“As you present your budget, we urge you to be concise, factual, and transparent. Provide clear insights into your revenue projections, expenditure framework, ongoing projects, and priority areas for the fiscal year.

“The Committee will engage constructively, ask necessary questions, and make recommendations in the best interest of the sector and the Nigerian people.

“Our shared goal is to strengthen the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, into a world-class institution capable of competing globally and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s blue economy,” she said.

Earlier, the acting Rector said the academy projected a revenue of N24.01 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

Okonna said that, after deducting the projected remittance to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of N10.80 billion, the net revenue will be N23.99 billion.

Giving a breakdown of the expected revenue, he said it includes the 5 per cent NIMASA statutory fund of N13, 333, 194, 665.74; the expected outstanding 2025 budget release of N55, 000, 000; and the MOWCA fund of N696, 664, 160.64.

Okonna further said funds expected from cadets and students’ fees are projected to bring in N697, 380, 000, while other revenue sources, including rent, are projected to bring in N30, 174, 140.

He said the projected expenditure includes overhead cost of N8, 787, 698, 249.52; personnel emoluments of N1, 356, 817, 590.36; and capital expenditure of N13, 855, 241, 848.55.

The Acting Rector said that in the past year, the institution has been repositioned to greater heights.

“In 2025, during the graduation ceremony, out of the 2021 cadets that graduated, we were able to get automatic employment and sea time experience for 80 of them.

“We mobilised intensively with stakeholders in the Maritime industry, in particular the ship owners and that resulted in what we had in November 2025 during the graduation ceremony

“In addition to that, between December and February 2026, we signed an MOU with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited for a three-year duration agreement to provide onboard training opportunities for cadets of the academy. That has been implemented, and we have successfully placed 43 of the cadets on LNG ships, and they are sailing with the vessels,” he said.

He said the academy has received two international certifications for its quality management systems and has also been certified for education organisations’ management systems, while achieving a 24-hour power supply to all cadets and students on campus.