The Minister, who stated this in Lagos during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer, assured that the Federal Government was committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration; “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” aligns with the vision of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He praised Seafarers as the lifeblood of the maritime industry who endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and the myriads of challenges that come with navigating some of the world’s busiest and most perilous waters.
Oyetola commended their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment in ensuring that goods and resources reached every corner of the planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, assured that the Federal Government remained committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
On their part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun along with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, applauded the seafarers for their resilience and assured them of the Government’s continuous support to guarantee their well-being.
They assured of the readiness of the National Assembly to work with NIMASA and other stakeholders to support any legislation aimed at advancing the rights and safety of all seafarers.
For his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the uniqueness of the profession and the challenges they faced.
He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” is a call to address the challenging conditions seafarers face while navigating the sea.
He said these challenges faced by Seafarers while sailing; ranges from piracy, kidnapping, encounter at war zones, exposure to health risks and unfair treatment.
Dr Mobereola assured that the Agency will continue to collaborate with both local and international organizations to address global issues affecting seafarers and ensure their safety while navigating the future.
Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), who joined virtually, emphasized that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector. She also commended NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.
Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed gratitude to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders took turns to praise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy, urging governments to continue supporting them through favorable policies that will enhance their wellbeing in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
They include President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Hassan; among others.”
The International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated annually on June 25 to recognize the contributions of seafarers to international seaborne trade and the world economy as a whole. The day is organized by the International Maritime Organization and recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
