Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed concern over the continued denial of Nigeria seafarers’ Certificate of Competency (CoC) by certain flag states which has limit the application of the country seafaring competency in other climes.
The President General of the union; Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, while felicitating with the seafarers on the commemoration of the World Seafarers day on Saturday urged the Federal Government including its relevant agencies to gear up in ensuring that the country seafarers CoC is acceptable globally.
Adeyanju, in a statement made available to our correspondent, noted the impact of the seafarers to the nation’s economy stating that there will be no maritime operation without the seafarers.
He said the MWUN is worried about the fate of Nigerian seafarers who carry the nation’s Certificate of Competency (CoC).
“We find it expedient at this time to announce our worry at the continued denial of our Certificate of Competency by certain flag states which limits the application of our seafaring competency in other clime we therefore posit that government and its responsible agency pull up to gear up our acceptance in the global space, he said.
Adeyanju added that this year theme: “Your Voyage, Then and Now”, demands that the country acknowledge the seafarers’ unique identity and contributions to world order.
He posited that seafaring and seafarers have indeed come a long way through the decades, quietly, but definitely growing in leaps and bounds to its present prestigious posture and garnering recognition and accolades.
He said: “I on behalf of the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, do hereby felicitate with seafarers in Nigeria and globally.
“We do this with a deep understanding of the extraordinary services seafarers provide to keep the world economy running smoothly.
“So today, we celebrate this fine gentlemen and ladies who at risk of their lives daily ply their trade to ensure that the rest of us can access the basics of living.
“This year’s theme, ‘Your Voyage, Then and Now, Share Your Journey Boldly’ demands that we acknowledge their unique identity and contributions to world order.
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“Seafaring and seafarers have indeed come a long way through the decades, quietly but definitely growing in leaps and bounds to its present prestigious posture and garnering recognition and accolades.
“Indeed, MWUN acknowledges that without seafarers there will be no maritime operation, which is why they will continue to have our support as critical factors in our consideration and workings.
“Of course all is not rosy yet as we continue to face obstacles which threaten to impair the seafarers’ capacity to reach his potential.
“We find it expedient at this time to announce our worry at the continued denial of our Certificate of Competency by certain flag states which limits the application of our seafaring competency in other clime we therefore posit that government and its responsible agency pull up to gear up our acceptance in the global space.
“We also seize this opportunity to call on government to put machinery on ground to strengthen our maritime training institution to bring them to par with global standards”, the statement reads.
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