Reps Promises Quick 2026 Budget Approval For Maritime Academy, Lauds Infrastructure, Sea-time Improvements

The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has assured the acting rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, of prompt consideration and approval of the institution’s 2026 budget.

The committee also passed a vote of confidence in the management of the academy, commending it for the judicious use of funds appropriated by the National Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.
Speaking during an oversight visit to the academy on Thursday, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, said the management had demonstrated accountability in the utilisation of the 49 per cent of the approved funds released to the institution.
According to her, the funds were effectively deployed toward infrastructure development, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing collaboration with professional bodies and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.
“When the budget comes, we will look at it carefully, make the necessary corrections where required and approve it. But beyond approval, the most important thing is accountability,” she said.
“The acting rector has displayed the level of accountability we expect from heads of agencies, and we are not disappointed. It is only those who have something to hide that are afraid of oversight by the National Assembly.”
Abba Ibrahim, who was represented during the visit by the Vice Chairman of the committee, Hon. Alphonsus Uduak Odudoh, said members of the committee had thoroughly reviewed documents and carried out on-the-spot assessments of projects executed by the academy.

“We had the documents before coming here and the Rector also briefed us extensively. After that, we went round for physical inspections. From what we have seen on ground and from our interactions with the management, we are satisfied,” she said.

She added that the acting Rector had consolidated on the achievements of his predecessor while introducing improvements in several key areas.

“We are satisfied with the level of infrastructure development, international partnerships and collaborations with professional bodies. What we noticed is that the Rector has built on the successes of his predecessor and improved upon them,” she stated.

The committee also expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of cadets placed onboard vessels for mandatory sea-time training, describing it as one of the major milestones achieved by the current management.

“One of the issues that thrilled us is the number of cadets who have graduated and those currently onboard vessels for sea-time training,” she said.

“Parents who bring their children here always ask what happens after graduation. That used to be a challenge in the past, but the acting Rector has made significant progress in addressing the sea-time challenge.”

She further praised the Rector’s performance within his first year in office, noting that his achievements so far demonstrate competence and commitment to the growth of the academy.

Abba Ibrahim also urged the management of the academy to sustain the current momentum and maintain close communication with the National Assembly whenever challenges arise that may require legislative intervention.

“We are satisfied with his performance and we encourage him to keep up the good work. We also urge members of the management team to support him so that the academy can move from this level to greater heights,” she added.

Earlier in his remarks, the acting Rector, Dr. Okonna, said the release of funds in 2025 had enabled the academy to retain highly qualified lecturers and improve staff welfare.

He disclosed that improved conditions of service for staff had been approved by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Okonna also revealed that the academy had developed a five-year strategic development plan currently awaiting approval from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“In 2025, we secured partnerships with international professional bodies to ensure global recognition for our cadets and graduates. Last year, all graduating cadets were registered with one professional body or another,” he said.

He added that the academy had also strengthened partnerships with Nigerian shipowners and international shipping companies to provide onboard training opportunities for cadets.

“Between October last year and about two weeks ago, we were able to place more than 43 cadets onboard Nigeria LNG vessels for sea-time training,” he said.

Okonna further disclosed that the Rector’s lodge had been renovated, noting that he is the first rector since 2011 to reside in the official residence.

Members of the committee present during the visit included Hon. Paul Ekpo, Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo and Hon. Mark Esset.