By Thompson ABISOLA
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Dakuku Peterside, said the Agency has trained 2,051 cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme.
Peterside made the disclosure on Monday during the “2018 Seafarers Day” celebration held in Warri, Delta, with the theme: “Seafarers’ Wellbeing.”
The NIMASA boss also said that 500 cadets have been earmarked for sea time training in 2018 while additional 500 would undergo same training in 2019.
“For the records, NIMASA has trained 2,051 cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme.
“Five hundred and sixty Dockworkers have also benefitted from the training programme on Occupational Safety and Health, which was developed in line with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) Code of Practice,” he said.
The DG said the Agency would continue to make Nigeria a hub of maritime activities by ensuring that the water was safe for navigation.
He also said that new conditions of service, including minimum wage for the Nigerian seafarers, would be signed on June 28 and gave the assurance that the Agency would ensure its implementation.
While noting that seafarers operate under strenuous conditions, Peterside called on employers of seafarers to ensure promotion of the ILO’s decent work agenda.
“In line with this year’s theme, the seafarer employers should ensure they implement the contributing pension scheme for their workers.
“Henceforth, NIMASA will report erring employers to the Pension Commission for appropriate sanctions.
“Above all, all maritime stakeholders should identify with the theme and work towards promoting seafarers wellbeing by tackling those issues that affect their mental health such as stress and depression,” he said.
The Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, represented by his deputy, Chief Kingsley Otuaro, said that the efficiency and effectiveness of modern economy depends largely on transportation of cargoes in international waters.
He commended the seafarers and wished them happy celebration.
Also, President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, urged the Federal Government to establish a National Shipping Career to boost employment.
Issues relating to their welfare, good working environment and stress management were extensively discussed at the event.
Also in attendance were Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Garuba, Chairman, Board of NIMASA, and members of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, among others.
TBI Africa reports that this is the eight edition of the celebration, following the resolution adopted by the 2010 diplomatic conference in Manila, Philippines.
