…Calls for holistic evaluation of Seafarers’ capacity development programme, employment and welfare
As the World celebrates the 2024 World Maritime Day (WMD), Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, the Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Board, and currently the National Seafarers Welfare Board Trustee, has called on the Federal Government to commit to a continuous review of all capacity development programmes of Seafarers’ of both Officers and Rating cadre.
Ramalan gave this advice in an issued press statement to mark the 2024 World Maritime Day.
According to Ramalan, the review is now necessary in order to ensure that Seafarers can operate technologically-advanced and environmentally-compliant vessels for competitive globalised employment as well as adding value for the country’s investment in Seafaring.
He further requested the Government to address the non-availability of sea time, and was particular on seafarers’ welfare and working conditions.
In his words: “The Federal Government should be committed to ensuring that cadets proceed to acquire sea time training, as part of the institution that delivers the training programme directly”.
He added that the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), which the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) committed huge investment on, should be streamlined to engage directly with the local and international Maritime Institutions that are accredited and recognised, in line with the national and international standards.
The former Chairman added that the current figure of well over ten thousand (10,000) registered seafarers in Nigeria cannot be said to be enough to contribute to the global supply. Noting that the world is presently in short supply of professionally qualified seafarers, mostly of officers cadre.
He equally observed that the rapid rise in digital technology and automated carbon emission-compliance vessels means that one of the world’s oldest professions is on the path to change.
“Recognising that Seafarers have over time remained an essential part of the global sustainability chain, Nigeria should continue to play its part in contributing to the value-chain through partnerships with reputable organisations that sustain and support the seafarers’ capacity development, their living and working conditions”, he emphasised.
In conclusion, he noted that the theme for the 2024 World Maritime Day Celebration: “NAVIGATING THE FUTURE SAFETY FIRST” was apt, because it provides an avenue for extensive discussion on the roles, importance and contributions of seafarers to the global maritime industry.
