As the Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) inducts 30 cadets for sea-time training on NSML-managed vessels, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola has urged maritime operators, ship owners and other stakeholders to emulate the initiative by investing in the training of more cadets, noting that increased local manpower would enhance Nigeria’s ability to fully utilise its over 800 kilometres of coastline for economic activities.
Mrs. Anastasia Ogbonna, the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations who represented the Minister at the induction ceremony in Port Harcourt on 20th February, 2026 described the initiative as a major step towards addressing youth unemployment and building indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Oyetola said it aligns with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.
He noted that the induction is the beginning of a broader effort to equip young Nigerians with maritime skills, stressing that the impact of the programme would go beyond the beneficiaries through its multiplier effect on the economy.
According to him, improved indigenous participation in coastal navigation would boost marine transportation, promote eco-tourism, and expand business opportunities across the country.
The Minister added that the initiative would not only strengthen local manpower capacity but also position Nigeria to supply globally competitive seafarers. He also encouraged the cadets to remain resilient despite the challenges of life at sea, urging them to use their training and skills to contribute to national development.
The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML), Abdulkadir Ahmed reaffirmed NSML’s commitment to supporting the development of world-class maritime professionals in Nigeria.
While delivering his keynote address, Ahmed said the cadets were transferred from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, under a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening professional training and developing globally competitive Nigerian seafarers.
He described the ceremony as a celebration of aspiration, collaboration and shared commitment to building the next generation of maritime professionals. He noted that the initiative is the first outcome of a strategic agreement signed in December 2025 between NSML and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to provide structured cadet training through NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence.
According to him, the partnership represents a deliberate investment in human capital, which he described as the most critical element of maritime operations.
He said NSML has continued to build a reputation as a leading provider of maritime and shipping services in Nigeria and across Africa, with a strong track record in developing competent and globally competitive seafarers.
He explained that the establishment of NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) was driven by the vision to build a premier maritime training institution capable of delivering world-class programmes, professional development pathways and simulator-based training aligned with international best practices.
He added that the collaboration between NSML and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria reflects the commitment of both institutions to invest in human capital, strengthen local capacity and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Addressing the cadets, Ahmed urged them to embrace discipline, resilience, integrity and excellence, noting that while NSML and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria would provide a solid foundation, their individual attitude and character would determine how far they progress in the profession.
He also commended stakeholders and partners for supporting the programme, describing it as relevant, competitive and impactful, while appreciating the leadership of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria for their trust and collaboration.
The Acting Rector and of the Academy, Kevin Okonna described the event as a major milestone, noting that it marked the strengthening of a long-standing relationship between both institutions through the execution of the MoU.
He said the partnership has created fresh onboard training opportunities for MAN cadets in line with the provisions of the International Maritime Organization Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978, as amended.
Addressing the cadets, the Rector urged them to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, resilience and professionalism, stressing that onboard training opportunities are rare and costly. He reminded the cadets of their undertaking to the Academy to maintain good conduct throughout their training and professional careers.
He further attributed the success of the initiative to the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy policy direction, which promotes partnerships with industry stakeholders to strengthen capacity building in seafarer training.
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