shippingposition
  • Home
  • News
  • Editorial
    • Vox Pop
  • Maritime safety
  • Oil and Gas
  • Personality
  • Health
No Result
View All Result
shippingposition

Home » What Can Be Done To Better The Lot Of Nigerian Seafarers?

What Can Be Done To Better The Lot Of Nigerian Seafarers?

by Joshua
July 2, 2012
in Uncategorized

Engineer Reginald Onyeobi [Merchant Navy]

Engineer Reginald Onyeobi [Merchant Navy]
The best way to better the lots on the Nigerian seafarers is for government or the authority concerned to provide employment, but it is quite unfortunate that the jobs are not forthcoming rather the jobs are being given to foreigners, all in the name of waiver clause. Foreigners from India, Pakistan, Korea and Greece have dominance in the country which I feel is not right. Another way to better their lot is for our certificate to be recognized globally because the certificate that is obtainable in Nigeria is not recognized globally .NIMASA is not active enough to certify our seafarers, thus what NIMASA offers as certificate is not acceptable anywhere in the world. Oil companies cannot accept the indigenous certificate, so why will they employ the indigenous seafarers. How can NIMASA issue coastal voyage certificate to ship captains and master mariners with such certificate? It is a clear indication that such individual can only operate in Nigeria coast alone; which is not right. As we speak MAN Oron is filled with people that are awaiting to be admitted for seafaring programme and for now there is no room for admission in MAN Oron, so I urge the government to provide more training facilities for cadets to be well equipped in terms of practicasl and look for a means to upgrade our indigenous certificate to be recognized globally.

Barrister Osuala Nwagbara [Maritime Lawyer]
The best way to better their lives is basically for them to key into the National Seafarers Development Programme which I will say is pro active at the moment. I know that most of them are not aware about this scheme because there have not been sufficient sensitization to that effect, but I must say that there is need for them to be fine- tuned and enlightened on that programme. However seafarers have some many unpleasant experiences at sea through piracy attacks, sea robbery, and sickness, hijack of vessel which sometimes results to loss of lives and property.

Mallam Ibrahim Jubril [Dep. Director NIMASA]
There is need to sensitize the Nigerian seafarers and those  who we are willing to become one, but it is unfortunate that some people are not taking the seafaring programme seriously .We have being campaigning on how to sensitize seafarers and some people are yet to embrace it. The burden of training seafarers lies on the Maritime Academy of Nigeria [MAN] Oron, though NIMASA accredits and certifies, but if there is nobody to say that I want to establish a training institution, NIMASA will not have any body to accredit.

Chief Ovia Reuben [Rector Stars Maritime Academy]
The issue is glaring because there is nothing to write home about the Nigerian Seafarers because we fail to put the right people in the right direction. Come to think of it, if we have a national carrier, I don’t think the problem being encountered by the seafarers shouldn’t be a problem because with that, there will be employment for the seafarers and a huge vacuum to train the Nigerian seafarers. This I believe is the foundation to ways of improving the lives of the seafarers. Another area to look at is the need for stakeholders to come together and address issues that affect the seafarers because there is the need for specialist to be involved in finding a lasting solution to the problems of the Nigerian Seafarers.

Oluwafemi Olulana (Former Deputy Director, Nigerian Shippers’ Council)
It starts with the ownership of our own fleet, because there is nothing that you will do without national interest that will prosper, we need to evolve a strategy for owning Nigerian vessels, and from there we can start encouraging Nigerian seafarers onboard these vessels. In the present scenario, we do not have big tonnage yet, and because we do not have it, does not mean we cannot evolve a strategy for protecting the interest of our citizens who are involved in seafaring, we must all corporate to do it, every stakeholder must come together and work a system or an Act or a regulation that has an international flavour, this can then translate into an Act, whatever standard we want for our seafarers should be included in this law, by so doing, before anybody employs a Nigeria, he must be sure to meet the required standard, without this standard, Nigerians will be treated anyhow.

Gomina Daniel (Seafarer)
Government should come up and draw a plan to assist them and also provide a retirement programme for them so that after the job they can have something to rely on, most seafarers are extravagant, they spend the larger share of their money on board vessels especially the deep-sea seafarer or you go on international trade, they usually spend more buying things in European countries and at the end of the day, there is nothing to take back home, so if there is a form of deduction every month set aside for retirement it will help. Government should also create awareness about the kind of job they are going into, the nature of the job, the contract terms and so on, because sometimes some seafarers find themselves at sea and they are paid peanuts. Government agencies like NIMASA can also help by creating workshops so that whenever the seafarers are at home they can attend the seminar, there should also be an educational training and re-training prigramme so that they can be aware of the modern technology and trends in shipping.

Dr. Obiora Madu (C.E.O Multimix Academy)
NIMASA should come up and train Nigerian seafarers, I know they have sponsored some people to MAN, Oron and so on, but after these guys finished from these academy, they must be helped to complete the international requirements to be a seafarer by being sea bound for about 18 months, if not, all the efforts will be a waste of time, whatever can be done to assist them to get this required sea-time must be done, because until you do this you cannot claim to have trained them. Some of the things we suffer in this country are not rocket science, how much does a vessel cost? It has become absolutely necessary that you can even set up a line for purposes of having these guys complete their programme; I don’t see the big deal in that.

Sampson Chima (Registrar, NIS)
Since the demise of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) we have had the problem of fixing our seafarers on board vessels, we produce seafarers but there is nowhere for them to serve at sea, this was what prompted NIMAS to sign an MoU with a Mayasian and Indian academies so that our seafarers can go on board vessels, but as long as we continue to have the problem of vessels in Nigeria, our seafarers will always be the way they are. Also, most of the seafarers that are retiring are not being replaced; NIMASA is using the NSDP programme which is being co-sponsored by some states until NIMASA recently took it over to help out. However, my concern is where these seafarers are going to serve after they have returned to the country, currently NIMASA has said that most of our indigenous vessels are not classed. Secondly, the MAN, Oron should be properly positioned as it should be, so that our seafarers can be among the best in the whole world.


Related Posts

Despite ₦5.17trn Surplus, Dollar Dominates Nigeria-China Trade As Naira-Yuan Swap Struggles

Despite ₦5.17trn Surplus, Dollar Dominates Nigeria-China Trade As Naira-Yuan Swap Struggles

June 30, 2025
Meningitis: Death Toll In Kebbi Hits 56 – Govt 

Meningitis: Death Toll In Kebbi Hits 56 – Govt 

March 24, 2025
Navy Rescues 8 Police Officers,1 Civilian From Boat Accident In Bayelsa

Navy Rescues 8 Police Officers,1 Civilian From Boat Accident In Bayelsa

January 8, 2025
PHOTO NEWS: SIFAX Thanksgiving and Night of Praise 2.0

PHOTO NEWS: SIFAX Group Thanksgiving and Night of Praise 2.0

December 18, 2024

Discussion about this post

Latest News

NPA Berths First Wholly Nigerian-Owned Container Vessel, MV Ocean Dragon

NPA Berths First Wholly Nigerian-Owned Container Vessel, MV Ocean Dragon

July 5, 2025

NRC Resumes Train Services On Kano-Minna Route Before Dec. – MD

Seme Customs Engages Media, Opinion Leader, to Strengthen National Security

Oyetola Pushes Maritime Revolution at TAAM 7.0, Unveils Innovation-Driven Reform Plan

Nigeria Maintains Zero Piracy In 3 Years-Oyetola

Tin Can Customs Rakes In ₦747bn In 6 Months

Customs Intercepts 2,693 Parcels Of Hemp In Ogun

NRC To Restore Offa Train Service Before End Of 2025 – Opeifa

Customs CG Honoured by Officers as Chairperson of the WCO Council

Customs CG Donates 13 Vehicles To Customs Idiroko Command

Apapa Customs Seals Three Bonded Terminals, Seizes 27 Containers in Anti-Smuggling Crackdown

Clarion Shipping Unveils Nigeria’s First Indigenous Container Vessel, Targets West African, China-Nigeria Trade Routes

kindly like our Facebook page

Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert
Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, says contraceptive pills cannot cause...

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

June 16, 2025
Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

June 1, 2025
20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

June 1, 2025
Health Facts You Didn’t Know

How Your Habit Affects Fertility

May 19, 2025
Fruits For Raining Season

Fruits For Raining Season

May 19, 2025
See Mental Illness Like Other Treatable Diseases – Says Suicide Survivor

Health Facts You Didn’t Know

May 19, 2025
Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

April 28, 2025
Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

April 28, 2025

© 2021 Shippingposition

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Coast To Coast
  • Oil and Gas
  • Maritime Education
  • The Terminals
  • Maritime safety

© 2021 Shippingposition