NIMASA and NSML Officials at the induction ceremony

The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in partnership with the  NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, NSML have reached agreement on further training of Cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP, to train them further and enhance their employability status in the global shipping industry.

Speaking at an induction ceremony for fifty NSDP Cadets who attended a Romanian University for their training under the NSDP Programme held in Lagos, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, represented by Director Special Duties, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, said the selected fifty Cadets are part of first set of Cadets to be sent to the United Kingdom for a twelve months training leading to their Certificate of Competency, CoC, which guarantee their eligibility to work on board any vessel globally.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, while speaking at the ceremony charged the lucky Cadets to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

According to Dr. Ajani who was represented by Mrs. Ekanem Saila, Deputy Director, Cabotage and Shipping Services at the ministry, the collaboration between NIMASA and NSML was a welcome development and the outcome of discussions which have been on for some time.

“As we navigate through the complexities of the global maritime industry,  it is imperative that we equip our future maritime professionals with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to excel in this dynamic field”

“The minister of marine and blue economy remains steadfast in his commitment of promoting collaboration with key players in the industry to ensure that the sector becomes a beacon of excellence, innovation and sustainability”.

“The NSML Cadets induction program is a testament to the concerted efforts aimed at building a cadre of skilled professionals who will steer the maritime sector to greater heights”.

“To the Cadets, I commend your decision to pursue a career in the industry;  a sector that plays a pivotal role in the economic development of our nation”.

“Your induction into this program is not just a personal achievement but a commitment to the collective progress of our maritime community, may you find inspiration in the vastness of the ocean and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead” Ajani said.

Managing Director NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed clarified that the training is a demonstration of his company to the development of the Nigerian youth.

He reiterated that no price it too big to pay when it comes to training and preparing the youth for the future of the Nigeria.

His words “Essentially, it is a program where some cadets that have been trained at the Romanian university will be further trained at the South Shield Maritime Academy in the UK, so that they can get their certificate of competencies”.

“So that’s really what it is. And this is the first set of cadets. These are fifty engineering cadets, which are the first set.

“And for those who know, that’s the global standard in terms of maritime training. And they will emerge with their certificate of competency, which enables them to work on global vessels, so they become qualified seafarers and they can work anywhere in the world”.

“As I’ve said, shipping and marine is a global industry. The standards are the same. And once they’re able to get those certificate of competencies, they can work anywhere on any vessel globally. And that’s the intention of this program” Ahmed said