Day of the Seafarer: NIMASA Trains 2,759 Cadets, Launches Digital Seafarers’ Discharge Book Portal
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disclosed that over 2,759 cadets have been trained in maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), as part of efforts to bridge the country’s maritime manpower gap and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where he reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the welfare, safety, security, and professional development of seafarers.
Speaking on the theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” Mobereola said seafarers remain indispensable to global commerce, noting that more than 80 per cent of global trade is transported by sea.
According to him, seafarers continue to play a critical role in sustaining international trade and global supply chains despite facing numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, security threats, demanding work environments, and prolonged periods away from their families.
He said NIMASA has continued to prioritise the development and welfare of Nigerian seafarers through targeted interventions designed to improve their skills, employability, and working conditions.
Mobereola noted that beyond training thousands of cadets under the NSDP, the agency has strengthened compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and supported improvements in the conditions of service for Nigerian seafarers.
He added that the adoption of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Labour Organization (ILO) wage scale has significantly enhanced the earnings and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
The NIMASA boss stressed the need for stakeholders across the maritime value chain to renew their commitment to building an industry that prioritises safety, dignity, well-being, and professional excellence for seafarers.
He called on governments, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions, and other industry stakeholders to work together to address the challenges confronting seafarers and create a more supportive and inclusive maritime environment.
Mobereola commended Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world for their sacrifice, dedication, and professionalism, describing them as the backbone of global trade whose contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector and support economic growth.
As part of efforts to deepen digital transformation and improve service delivery in the maritime sector, NIMASA also launched the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, a platform designed to streamline the application, management, and issuance of seafarers’ discharge books. The agency said the portal would reduce human interface, improve efficiency, and provide a seamless digital process for seafarers seeking discharge book services.
The platform was demonstrated during the event, showcasing its ability to simplify documentation processes and enhance access to essential seafarer records.
One Comment