Seafarers Day 2026: Nigerian Govt, Institutions Commit To Seafarers Welfare, Safety and Security
As National Assembly, NIMASA, Maritime Academy Assures on Trainings
Global issues and challenges notwithstanding, the world comes together to celebrate Seafarers every June 25th hounouring and celebrating the men and women who brace all odds in ensuring that global commerce, which runs on the hulls, bows and engine rooms of vessels; transversing oceans of the world to deliver goods amidst hostiles and inclement weather-ever sailing as the vessel’s steering wheels are ever turning just as the rudders are rarely still.
With the theme ‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk, the government of Nigeria and maritime officials took time off the busy schedules to stand with, commend and felicitate Seafarers for their resilience, commitment and dedication to serving humanity selflessly.
Addressing maritime stakeholders and captains of industry in Nigeria, the Chairman, Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, charged government agencies, maritime officials, shipping companies, and employers of labour to ensure decent working conditions for seafarers.
In the Senator’s words “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, I wish to assure seafarers and maritime stakeholders of the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector through effective legislation, robust oversight and stakeholders engagement.
“In line with the Federal Government’s maritime development agenda, we will continue to advocate for policies that support the modernization of port infrastructure, the development of a sustainable blue economy, increased participation of Nigerian seafarers in international shipping and the full implementation of international maritime conventions that protect the rights and welfare of seafarers.
“As we mark this important occasion, I call on government agencies, maritime operators, shipping companies, labour unions, and all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring decent working conditions, fair treatment, adequate training opportunities and comprehensive welfare support for our seafarers.”
Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola declared that the welfare, safety, security, and professional advancement of seafarers is top on NIMASA’s maritime agenda.
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He assured stakeholders that NIMASA will continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with the global maritime community to pay tribute to an extraordinary cadre of professionals whose dedication, courage, and resilience form the bedrock of international trade and global prosperity.
“This annual observance provides an important opportunity to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of seafarers whose unwavering commitment not only sustains economies but also strengthens the bonds that unite people across continents” Mobereola said.
On the criticality and indispensability of Seafarers, Dr. Mobereola said “Today, more than 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value is transported by sea, while the global merchant fleet is operated by an estimated Two (2) Million Seafarers who work tirelessly to keep international supply chains functioning efficiently”
“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working conditions, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities. They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones, while also coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea. Yet, they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
Maritime Academy of Nigeria
The acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who joined other government dignitaries to celebrate Nigerian Seafarers and their counterparts across the world expressed confidence that Seafarers as backbone of global shipping are worth celebrating because of the vital role they play in connecting countries commercially, culturally and socially.
“On this Day of the Seafarer 2026, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, is proud to identify with and celebrate seafarers all over the world for the onerous work they do to keep the wheel of global commerce constantly turning. As we celebrate here in Lagos, future seafarers are gathered in the main Auditorium of the Academy at our campus in Oron, Nigeria, with lecturers and select speakers to also celebrate, mentor and prepare them for the future”
“We are committed to detailed implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (as amended) and as always; urge our Seafarers as flag bearers of the Academy and Nigeria to be safety conscious wherever they find themselves as we remain unrelenting in equipping them to be globally competitive, safe and outstanding in the discharge of their duties”
The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.