Stakeholders in the maritime industry have called for heightened safety measures and stricter compliance with international regulations to protect seafarers and vessels operating in Nigerian waters. This call comes as concerns around safety and security continue to dominate discussions in the industry.
A maritime expert and Managing Director Integrated Oil and Gas, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of a recent industry event, Iheanacho stressed that seafarers’ safety is paramount. He pointed to the significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security landscape, particularly in combating piracy and kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The threat of kidnappings has reduced significantly in recent times, so much so that Nigeria has been removed from the list of high-risk areas for shipping,” Iheanacho said.
He noted that the decline in piracy has led to reduced war risk insurance premiums for ships sailing on Nigerian waters, boosting the confidence of international shippers. However, he warned that the slow pace of legal processes when ships are detained could still deter shipping activities, as vessels caught in disputes face prolonged stays in port.
On his part, Engineer Bob Joseph Yousuo, President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers/Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA), echoed similar sentiments, calling for stricter adherence to international safety standards. He urged Nigeria to fully comply with global conventions such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), MARPOL, and the ISPS Code.
“Compliance with these international regulations is critical to ensuring the safety of lives and vessels in our waters,” Yousuo said. He also emphasized the need for improving maritime education in Nigeria, suggesting that experienced Master Mariners and Engineers be engaged as lecturers in the country’s maritime institutions to enhance the quality of training for seafarers.
Yousuo further called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to strengthen its inspection and enforcement of safety standards on vessels. “NIMASA inspectors must ensure that ships operating in Nigeria comply with safety protocols to avoid accidents and protect lives,” he said.
In his remarks, President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, called attention to the safety and welfare of maritime workers, particularly seafarers and dockworkers. He urged maritime companies to prioritize the mental health and well-being of workers, as they are essential to the smooth running of the maritime industry.
“Seafarers are the backbone of the industry, while dockworkers are the heart,” Adeyanju said. “Their safety, welfare, and mental health must be top priorities for all maritime stakeholders. Without them, the industry cannot thrive.”
Adeyanju also called on employers to ensure proper insurance coverage and compensation for maritime workers in the event of accidents or fatalities. He noted that inadequate compensation and lack of safety measures contribute to the risks faced by maritime operators, adding that dockworkers and seafarers often bear the brunt of insufficient safety protocols.
