The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adehboyega Oyetola, has called on maritime operators and ship owners to invest more in cadet training as Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) inducted 30 cadets for sea-time training on its managed vessels.
Speaking at the induction ceremony held last weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, the Minister said increased investment in local manpower development would enable Nigeria to fully harness the economic potential of its over 800 kilometres of coastline. He was represented at the event by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Anastasia Ogbonna.
Oyetola described the initiative as a significant step toward tackling youth unemployment and strengthening indigenous capacity in the maritime sector. He noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises job creation and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.
According to him, the induction marks the beginning of a broader strategy to equip young Nigerians with relevant maritime skills, adding that the programme’s benefits would extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries through its multiplier effect on the economy. He said improved indigenous participation in coastal navigation would enhance marine transportation, promote eco-tourism and create new business opportunities nationwide.
The Minister further stated that strengthening local manpower capacity would position Nigeria to supply globally competitive seafarers. He encouraged the cadets to remain resilient in the face of challenges associated with life at sea and to deploy their skills toward national development.
In his keynote address, the Managing Director of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing world-class maritime professionals. He disclosed that the cadets were transferred from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria under a strategic partnership designed to strengthen professional training and develop globally competitive Nigerian seafarers.
Ahmed explained that the induction ceremony represents the first outcome of a strategic agreement signed in December 2025 between NSML and the Academy to provide structured cadet training through NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence. He described the partnership as a deliberate investment in human capital, which he identified as the most critical element of maritime operations.
He added that NSML has built a reputation as a leading provider of maritime and shipping services in Nigeria and across Africa, supported by a strong record in developing competent seafarers. The establishment of the company’s Maritime Centre of Excellence, he said, was driven by the vision to create a premier maritime training institution offering world-class programmes, professional development pathways and simulator-based training in line with international best practices.
Ahmed urged the cadets to embrace discipline, integrity, resilience and excellence, stressing that while both institutions would provide the necessary foundation, their personal character and commitment would determine their professional progress. He also commended stakeholders and partners for supporting the initiative and appreciated the leadership of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria for their collaboration.
The Acting Rector of the Academy, Kevin Okonna, described the event as a major milestone that strengthens the longstanding relationship between both institutions through the execution of their Memorandum of Understanding.
He noted that the partnership has opened new onboard training opportunities for Academy cadets in line with the provisions of the International Maritime Organization Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978, as amended.
Okonna urged the cadets to uphold discipline, integrity, resilience and professionalism, reminding them that onboard training opportunities are rare and costly. He attributed the success of the initiative to the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy policy direction, which promotes collaboration with industry stakeholders to strengthen capacity building in seafarer training.
