7,059 Nigerian seafarers deployed for sea-time experience

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed that 7,059 Nigerian seafarers have been assigned to vessels to gain valuable sea-time experience. The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) played a significant role in this achievement, with 135 cadets completing the program and receiving their Certificates of Competency.

Additionally, 222 seafarers received free training in both basic and advanced professional courses, while 333 cadets completed their academic training and earned their degrees. Oyetola emphasized the critical importance of deploying these skilled seafarers to bolster Nigeria's maritime sector. He directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to work hand-in-hand with the 12 approved Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) to swiftly disburse the much-needed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified Nigerian shipowners.

This initiative aims to end the prolonged delays in funding disbursement and spark growth, investment, and job creation in Nigeria's maritime industry.