The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has solidified an agreement with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Ship Management Limited (NSML) to facilitate the crucial Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP). This groundbreaking partnership aims to equip young Nigerians with internationally recognized seafaring credentials, thus narrowing the global shortage of skilled seafarers.
At an induction ceremony held by NSML for 50 NSDP beneficiaries trained in Romania, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, the Director General of NIMASA, lauded the collaboration’s success in fostering the development of Nigerian seafarers. He emphasized NSML’s pivotal role in supporting the Agency’s efforts in nurturing seafarers and boosting local content onboard vessels.
Notably, a significant number of NSDP officers trained on NSML vessels have secured employment within the company, signaling the program’s efficacy. Dr. Jamoh announced the completion of mandatory sea training by 150 Romanian-trained NSDP cadets, positioning them for the CoC training and examinations. This stride is poised to eliminate the backlog of cadets awaiting CoCs, unlocking a plethora of global employment opportunities.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, urged the fortunate cadets to exemplify Nigeria positively on the global stage. She commended the collaboration between NIMASA and NSML, acknowledging the culmination of discussions that had been ongoing for a considerable period.
Abdulkadir Ahmed, the Managing Director/CEO of NSML, revealed the sponsorship of 50 cadets to the South Shield Marine School in the UK for a comprehensive 12-month program aimed at obtaining the essential Certificates of Competency required for global vessel trade. He underscored the imperative of addressing the shortage of Nigerian seafarers and meeting indigenous manning obligations.
Highlighting the program’s significance, Ahmed emphasized its alignment with the evolving maritime industry, particularly in energy and decarbonization. He stressed the importance of continual skill enhancement and adaptation to new technologies within the shipping sector.
The Assistant Director of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, emphasized the Agency’s commitment to advancing the maritime industry’s human capital through such collaborations, underscoring the pivotal role of NSML in nurturing competent seafarers.
The collaborative efforts between NIMASA and NSML represent a significant stride in empowering Nigerian seafarers with globally recognized certifications, ensuring their readiness to excel in the competitive maritime landscape.