FG Finalising National Carrier to Create Jobs, Training Opportunities for Nigerian Seafarers -Oyetola
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the Federal Government is finalising plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to create employment opportunities, expand sea time training, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade.
Oyetola disclosed this on Thursday at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos. The minister, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mr. Musa Markoji, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to deepen indigenous participation in shipping and enhance the welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
He explained that the proposed national carrier is expected to reduce the huge capital flight associated with dependence on foreign shipping lines while strengthening Nigeria’s shipping capacity and competitiveness in global maritime trade.
According to him, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers through increased sea time placements, expanded employment prospects, the development of local maritime expertise, and the provision of a sustainable platform for career advancement. He added that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are not only trained and certified but also gainfully employed and globally competitive.
The minister noted that access to sea time training remains one of the most critical challenges facing aspiring Nigerian seafarers, adding that the ministry is working with industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for practical training and career placement across the maritime industry.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s Day of the Seafarer celebration theme: Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk, Oyetola stressed that recognition of seafarers must go beyond words and translate into tangible actions that improve working conditions, strengthen safety standards, and promote the overall well being of maritime workers.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security, and safer waters through reforms aimed at strengthening maritime education and training, improving certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, and ensuring compliance with international maritime protocols and standards.
Oyetola highlighted achievements recorded in the sector, including the sustained suppression of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, and ongoing efforts to modernise maritime infrastructure and regulatory systems, noting that these milestones provide a stronger foundation for the growth and welfare of seafarers.
The minister maintained that the welfare of seafarers extends beyond physical safety to include mental health, emotional well being, and psychosocial support. He therefore called for stronger collaboration among governments, shipowners, maritime administrators, crewing agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure seafarers receive the care, protection, and respect they deserve while employers uphold acceptable labour standards.
He further stressed that while seafarers carry global trade, they should not bear the risks alone, noting that protecting those who keep global commerce moving requires the collective commitment of governments, industry leaders, international organisations, and society at large.
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