Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure more local training for seafarers.
Amaechi, who spoke at the inauguration of the third phase of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme in Lagos, charged the 200 NSDP-3 cadets to represent the country strongly.
He also commended the NIMASA for its resilience in ensuring the success and expansion of the programme since its commencement in 2009.
According to the minister, “The doggedness of NIMASA in ensuring the success of this programme is commendable, but I would like the agency to include more local training institutions that meet the standard required for the training.
“For those who are leaving, please do not embarrass the country. You are not just ambassadors of NIMASA; you are ambassadors of Nigeria. You have to be of utmost good behaviour.
“You have to study and pass your exams. There are so many youths who want this opportunity that you have. It means that you must show NIMASA that they did not make any mistake in choosing you.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, Development Programme is part of the strategies employed to ensure the development of manpower in the agency.
“NSDP-3 brings our maritime manpower development strategy to the next level.
“It is a complete package, which offers the cadets everything they need to qualify as seafarers, from shore-based training to sea time training, and attainment of Certificate of Competency,” he maintained.
The DG further disclosed that the agency was working on signing bilateral agreements with some countries to facilitate the recognition and acceptance of the country’s seafarers.
“To prepare ourselves for the coming opportunities, the agency will make concerted efforts to sign bi-lateral agreements of mutual recognition of Certificate of Competency to open opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to work abroad.
“We are working with industry experts to ensure that our maritime education and training meets international standards,” he added.
