FG Assures On National Carrier, As NIMASA Launches Digitized Discharge Book For Seafarers

As the world celebrate its Seafarers and Maritime work force, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish a national shipping line through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in order to create jobs, enhance sea time training, improve Nigeria’s in international maritime trade participation and improve the country economy.

 

The minister tasked maritime stakeholders to be mindful and pay special attention to seafarers needs, warning that disregard to Seafarers and other maritime workers shall me met with severe consequences.

 

Also, in furtherance of its Maritime Administrative role t the Designated Authority, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr.  Dayo Mobereola has unveiled and activated a digitalized portal for Seafarers Discharge Book in Nigeria.

Addressing participants at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, DOTS, in Lagos the NIMASA DG described seafarers as an extraordinary cadre of professionals whose dedication, courage, and resilience form the bedrock of international trade and global prosperity.

 

“The theme for the 2026  celebration, ‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,’ is both timely and profoundly significant. It aptly underscores the indispensable role seafarers play in sustaining international trade, while drawing attention to the considerable risks and challenges they encounter in the discharge of their duties.

 

The Seafarer’s Discharge Book which was a contentious, hard to resolve issue in the past has been made digital and obtainable by inputting details and punching a few keypads.

 

“As we celebrate Nigerian Seafarers and all who work on board vessels around the world, we reassure  that “At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security, and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda. We recognize that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.

 

“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through: Human capacity development; investments in training, certification and provision for sea time training through the NSDP, where over 2,459 cadets were trained and are still under-going training in various maritime institutions around the world; Enforcing regulatory compliance and promotion of decent working conditions in line with the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).

 

“The National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) has successfully incorporated the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) International Wage Scale in the Conditions of Service of the Nigerian Seafarers, raising their earnings by over 150%.

 

Dr. Mobereola charged employers, trade union leaders and officials to prioritize seafarers’ welfare and safety.

 

In his words “Governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions, and industry stakeholders must continue to collaborate in building a maritime ecosystem that prioritizes safety, dignity, inclusion, well-being and professional excellence” the DG said.