FG to address sea time challenges facing Nigerian cadets

The Federal Government is considering definite policy programme to address the issue of sea time challenges facing cadets trained in-country.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Thursday during his speech at the 2023 Cadets Graduation Ceremony celebrating 157 cadets who graduated from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron , Akwa Ibom.

Speaking, the Minister, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata,  recognised the significant role of seafarers in Nigeria’s maritime industry and that the seafarers are relied on to maintain the integrity and reputation of the industry.

His words:  “I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of the youthful men and women who are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

“Today is not just a day of graduation; it is a day that symbolizes the dedication, hard work, and resilience that these cadets have exhibited throughout their rigorous training.

“To the graduating cadets, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. You have successfully navigated the challenges of the maritime academy, proving your mettle and commitment to this noble profession.

“As you stand on the threshold of a maritime career, remember that the sea is vast and unpredictable, much like the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Your training here has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these waters with precision and expertise.

“The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of our nation and it relies on individual like you to maintain the integrity and reputation of the industry.”

The Minister gave assurances of this administration’s commitment to further developing the maritime sector by giving priority attention to issues that are setting gaps on the growth train, including that of limited access to sea time training for cadets.

“Let me also assure you that the commitment of this administration to the transformation of the maritime industry is genuine. It is considered as one of the key drivers of the renewed hope agenda, therefore, prioritizing the maritime sector is a strategic move that can yield multifaceted benefits, impacting economic, social, and environmental aspects while contributing to the overall development and competitiveness of a nation and can provide Economic Growth; Job Creation; Trade Facilitation; Diversification of the Economy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am still receiving briefing from both within and outside the Ministry on the issues of challenges of placing our cadets on sea-time and I assure you that a definite policy programme would be produced to resolve this. This would no doubt help in closing the gap for the manpower in the maritime sector. As you are aware, the present administration has created a new Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy with the aim of promoting sustainable harnessing of our ocean resources,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Maritime Education, Safety and Administration, Hon. Alphonsus Uduak , commended the graduating cadets for staying focused on the reason for being in the Academy, studying and graduating in their various disciplines.

He also gave assurances of the National Assembly’s resolve to supporting the Academy to sustain the great strides it is taking in maritime education and training seafarers for industry manpower needs.

“We will continue to add value to the Academy, to the Ministry and to our nation Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, the Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), encouraged the graduating cadets to be professional and to display humility in their chosen careers as they move on.

According to the Rector, the Academy boasts of academic excellence comparable to what obtains in most maritime training institutions and even more, considering the modern training facilities that the Academy has.

The Rector said: “Every course that is done abroad for pre-sea training is also done at the Academy and the facilities we have are first-class. We also offer simulator based courses which aren’t done in any other country in West Africa.

“Nigeria is presently on the White List of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Abuja MoU recognizes us. We have so many of our cadets who are qualified and working as seafarers all around the world.  IMO donates books frequently because they recognize us.”

The Rector also said that the Academy was considering morning and evening streams of programmes and other alternative programmes to cater for the influx of students as the Academy was already oversubscribed for the 2024 academic year.

The event was well added by maritime professionals including Captain Tajudeen Alao, president of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM); former president of the NAMM, Captain Adewale Ishola; president of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan; Captain Sunday Umore, who is the Secretary General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa; Mr. Emanuel Maiguwa, president of the Association Maritime Academy of Nigeria Old Students(AMANO) among several others.