The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has affirmed that seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry, essential to the success of the Blue Economy. Speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer in Lagos, Oyetola emphasized the critical role seafarers play in global trade and economic stability.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration, “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” Oyetola stated, “Seafarers endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and numerous challenges to ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade.”
Represented by Mr. Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, the Minister assured attendees of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the Nigerian maritime sector. He emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the welfare and training of Nigerian seafarers, ensuring they remain among the best trained and most resilient in the world.
Oyetola also highlighted ongoing collaborations with industry stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Marine and Blue Economy. “We are working closely with stakeholders in the private sector, international organizations, and other government agencies to promote the sector’s development, which will benefit all Nigerians and future generations,” he stated.
The Minister called for support from stakeholders, noting that the Ministry cannot undertake the development of the sector alone. He stressed the importance of innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in the maritime industry.
Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, assured seafarers of the government’s continuous support. They pledged to work with NIMASA and other stakeholders to advance legislation aimed at enhancing the rights and safety of seafarers.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), recognized the unique challenges faced by seafarers and emphasized the need for greater focus on their well-being and safety. He noted that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the past two years and committed to maintaining this standard.
“We recognize the challenges seafarers face, ranging from piracy to health risks and unfair treatment,” Mobereola stated. “Nigeria has the young population to compete with other countries whose seafarers contribute immensely to their GDP. Hence, NIMASA will continue to invest in training and capacity-building programs.”
Mobereola also informed stakeholders that NIMASA is working to strengthen legal frameworks by domesticating all maritime labor-related ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria, including the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. The Agency will continue to implement programs to improve seafarers’ welfare, including mental health support, safety training, and emergency assistance.
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Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF) and Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, joined the event virtually, commending NIMASA’s efforts and recognizing seafarers as modern-day heroes.
Stakeholders, including Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, and Rear Admiral Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, praised the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy and urged governments to support them through favorable policies.
The International Day of the Seafarer, celebrated annually on June 25, recognizes the contributions of seafarers to international trade and the world economy. Organized by the International Maritime Organization and recognized by the United Nations, this observance day celebrates the dedication and resilience of seafarers worldwide.
