As part of efforts to strengthen human capacity in the maritime sector and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) disclosed that it has trained 2,459 Nigerian cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
The director general of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, also revealed that the earnings of Nigerian seafarers have increased by more than 150 per cent following the adoption of international wage standards.
Mobereola made the disclosures in Lagos during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration, where he reiterated the agency’s commitment to improving the welfare, safety, security and professional development of seafarers.
According to him, many of the 2,459 cadets trained under the NSDP are currently undergoing studies in maritime institutions across different parts of the world, reflecting NIMASA’s sustained investment in manpower development.
He explained that the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) had successfully incorporated the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) wage scale into the conditions of service for Nigerian seafarers, resulting in a significant increase in remuneration.
“The adoption of the ITF and ILO international wage scale has translated into a wage increase of over 150 per cent for Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.
He noted that the Day of the Seafarer celebration offers an opportunity to recognise the immense contributions and sacrifices of maritime professionals who sustain global trade despite the risks associated with life at sea.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” Mobereola said it underscores both the critical role of seafarers in global commerce and the challenges they encounter in the course of their duties.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with the global maritime community to pay tribute to an extraordinary cadre of professionals whose dedication, courage and resilience form the bedrock of international trade and global prosperity,” he said.
The NIMASA boss observed that more than 80 per cent of global trade by volume and over 70 per cent by value is transported by sea, with about two million seafarers worldwide operating the merchant fleet that keeps global supply chains running.
He stressed that beyond moving cargo, seafarers contend with unpredictable weather conditions, evolving security threats, demanding work environments and prolonged separation from their families.
“Seafarers endure significant physical and psychological pressures while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international commerce,” he added.
Mobereola maintained that NIMASA’s commitment to seafarers goes beyond regulatory obligations, describing it as both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the agency remains focused on strengthening training, certification and sea-time opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, while ensuring full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 to guarantee decent working conditions across the industry.
The Director-General further called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem anchored on safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence.
“Today’s celebration is not only a tribute to seafarers but also a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise their full potential,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, assured stakeholders of the National Assembly’s continued support for policies and legislation aimed at strengthening the maritime sector and improving seafarers’ welfare.
Eshinlokun-Sanni said the Senate Committee would continue to support initiatives that promote maritime safety and security, improve port efficiency, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and expand employment opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals.
He also pledged legislative backing for the modernisation of port infrastructure, development of the blue economy, increased participation of Nigerian seafarers in international shipping and effective implementation of international conventions protecting seafarers’ rights.
The senator stressed the need for greater investment in maritime education, certification and professional development programmes to enable Nigerian seafarers compete favourably in the global labour market.
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