As 30 MAN Cadets are Inducted for further Training

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron, in collaboration with the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd, NSML, have again inducted 30 Cadets of the Academy for Onboard training and Sea time aboard NSML Vessels.

At an elaborate induction ceremony held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, management staff of MAN joined by Maritime stakeholders described the ceremony as both epochal and a watershed in the history of shipping Nigeria.

Managing Director of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed reiterated that the induction is a further demonstration of NSML commitment and unwavering dedication to manpower development aimed at advancing shipping in the country.

“In December 2025, NSML signed a strategic agreement (MOU), with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to provide structured training for cadets through our Maritime Centre of Excellence”

“That decision was not accidental it was a deliberate investment in people-the most critical element in maritime operations and today we are witnessing the first fruits of that commitment”

“This induction is another strong testament to NSML’s unwavering dedication to excellence, capacity development and industry leadership” Abdulkadir said.

Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, ecstatic and exuding confidence, expressed untainted joy as he reaffirmed that the Induction is a dream come true.

“Today is one of my happiest days as the Acting Rector and CEO of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron-it is the day that the Academy and the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) have, through the execution of the MoU signed on 19th December, 2025, re-established the special relationship that has existed between both organisations over the years and led to the supply of excellent seafaring officers and ratings for global shipping”

“Our partnership has again ensured the realization of the dreams of another set of 30 seafaring cadets from the Academy through onboard training opportunities in line with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended”

“This is in addition to the 13 MAN, Oron cadets earlier inducted for onboard training by the NSML on the 19th December, 2025. The hope and motivation that these events have generated amongst seafaring cadets in the Academy cannot be underestimated”

“The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been informed through Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative, APR, of the incredible contributions of the NSML to seafarers training and the live-streaming link to this event has been shared with local and international shipping institutions as well”

Management team of MAN and NSML agreed that the induction ceremony keys into and aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu  as encapsulated and driven by the Minister of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

This was succinctly captured by Dr. Okonna when he said “It is very important for me to acknowledge  that we drew  the courage for embarking on this project from the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON. The Honourable Minister guided the successful development of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council within 2 years of his administration in 2025”

“To achieve capacity building in seafarers training in Nigeria, the Policy provides for partnership with stakeholders for provision of onboard training for the Cadets”

Maritime professionals commend MAN and NSML for the initiative even as they charged other institutions to emulate the collaboration and create something equally, if not more rewarding, for shipping development in Nigeria.