The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described seafarers as the lifeblood of the maritime industry, and are essential to the success of the blue economy. This is even as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that Nigeria has the potential to be a maritime powerhouse, with the right policies in place.
The Minister, who stated this in Lagos during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer, assured in his keynote address that the Federal Government is committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration – “Navigating the Future, Safety First” – aligns with the vision of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy.
Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. They endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and the myriads of challenges that come with navigating some of the world’s busiest and most perilous waters. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade,” he said.
The Minister, who was represented at the event by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata, assured that the Federal Government remained committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
“We are committed to providing comprehensive training programmes, enforcing stringent safety regulations, and offering continuous support to ensure our seafarers are among the best trained and most resilient in the world. We are dedicated to building on this foundation, ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime landscape,” he said.
He also promised to prioritise the growth and development of the maritime sector, noting that its development will benefit the present and future generations.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the uniqueness of the profession and the challenges faced by seafarers.
He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration is a call to address the challenging conditions seafarers face while navigating the sea.
“We recognise the humongous challenges seafarers face while sailing; ranging from piracy, kidnapping, encounter at war zones, exposure to health risks and unfair treatment. Notwithstanding all these, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the last two years; we will not rest on our oars as the life of every seafarer matters,” he said.
Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), who joined virtually, emphasized that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector. She also commended NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.
Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed gratitude to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.
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