The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector through effective legislation, robust oversight, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
Speaking at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, Eshilokun said the Senate Committee remains focused on supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security, improving port efficiency, strengthening indigenous shipping capacity, and creating employment opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals.
The lawmaker noted that seafarers remain the backbone of global trade, facilitating the movement of more than 80 per cent of world commerce despite operating under demanding conditions and facing numerous risks, including adverse weather, security challenges, occupational hazards, and extended periods away from their families.
According to him, recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States underscored the vulnerability of global trade routes and highlighted the critical role played by seafarers in sustaining international commerce during periods of uncertainty.
He expressed relief over the cessation of hostilities among the countries involved and urged all parties to pursue lasting peace in the interest of global stability and trade.
Eshilokun assured maritime stakeholders of the National Assembly’s continued support for policies that promote maritime infrastructure development, indigenous participation in international shipping, and the implementation of international conventions that protect the rights and welfare of seafarers.
He also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its investment in seafarer education and training through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), describing the initiative as critical to building a globally competitive maritime workforce.
The senator disclosed that members of the committee recently visited Nigerian cadets undergoing training abroad and expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the beneficiaries, many of whom are expected to complete their programmes this year.
He further emphasised the importance of strengthening maritime education institutions, particularly the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, through increased investment in infrastructure, certification programmes, capacity building, and professional development.
Calling for greater collaboration among government agencies, shipping companies, labour unions, maritime operators, and other stakeholders, Eshilokun stressed the need to ensure decent working conditions, fair treatment, adequate training opportunities, and comprehensive welfare support for seafarers, whose contributions remain vital to global trade and economic development.
One Comment