Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, on Thursday said that the welfare, safety, security, and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to NIMASA’s maritime governance agenda.
Speaking in Lagos during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration, Dr Mobereola stated that NIMASA has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
According to the NIMASA DG, “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.
ALSO READ: Shippers Council unveils performance management framework for leadership development
“This annual observance provides an important opportunity to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of seafarers whose unwavering commitment not only sustains economies but also strengthens the bonds that unite people across continents.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,’ is both timely and profoundly significant. It aptly underscores the indispensable role seafarers play in sustaining international trade, while drawing attention to the considerable risks and challenges they encounter in the discharge of their duties.
“Today, more than 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value is transported by sea, while the global merchant fleet is operated by an estimated Two (2) Million Seafarers who work tirelessly to keep international supply chains functioning efficiently.
“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working conditions, evolving security threats, and increasing geopolitical realities. They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones, while also coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea. Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security, and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda. We recognize that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.
“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through: Human capacity development; investments in training, certification and provision for sea time training through the NSDP, where over 2,459 cadets were trained and are still under-going training in various maritime institutions around the world; Enforcing regulatory compliance and promotion of decent working conditions in line with the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).
“The National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) has successfully incorporated the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) International Wage Scale in the Conditions of Service of the Nigerian Seafarers, raising their earnings by over 150%.
“As we commemorate this important occasion, we must also recognise that the risks borne by seafarers require a collective and sustained response.
“Governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions, and industry stakeholders must continue to collaborate in building a maritime ecosystem that prioritizes safety, dignity, inclusion, well-being, and professional excellence.
“To our Nigerian seafarers and indeed seafarers across the world, we salute your unwavering dedication, exceptional professionalism, and enduring sacrifice. You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation, where your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth, and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.
“Today’s celebration is therefore both a tribute and a renewed commitment. A commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, called on government agencies, maritime operators, shipping companies, labour unions, and all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensure decent working conditions for seafarers.
In his words, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, I wish to assure seafarers and maritime stakeholders of the National Assembly’s continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector through effective legislation, robust oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
“The Committee remains focused on supporting initiatives that enhance maritime safety and security, promote the welfare of seafarers, improve port efficiency, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, and create employment opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals.
“In line with the Federal Government’s maritime development agenda, we will continue to advocate for policies that support the modernization of port infrastructure, the development of a sustainable blue economy, increased participation of Nigerian seafarers in international shipping, and the full implementation of international maritime conventions that protect the rights and welfare of seafarers.
“We also recognised the strategic importance of institutions responsible for maritime education and training. Greater investment in capacity building, certification programmes, and professional development remains essential to positioning Nigerian seafarers to compete effectively in the global maritime labour market.
“As we mark this important occaston, I call on government agencies, maritime operators, shipping companies, labour unions, and all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring decent working conditions, fair treatment, adequate training opportunities, and comprehensive welfare support for our seafarers.”
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
