Nigeria is gearing up to join the global community in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer 2024. Leading the celebrations are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The event will take place in Lagos and feature notable attendees, including Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarer’s Trust Fund.

Dr. Mobereola has encouraged Nigerians to participate in the celebrations, highlighting the use of the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea on social media to increase visibility. “Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our global economy,” he said. “They sacrifice a lot for humanity’s existence, leaving their families for months for our sake. Let us celebrate their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in our world.”

The 2024 commemoration aims to spotlight the vital contributions of seafarers as essential workers. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has designated this day to honor seafarers, and this year’s theme aligns with NIMASA’s mission to protect Nigerian seafarers and create more career opportunities in the field.

Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, affirmed the agency’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the crucial role of seafarers in international trade and the global economy.