IYC Demands NIMASA Action over Stranded NSDP Cadets

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), representing Ijaw youths worldwide, has urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to swiftly address the ongoing delay impacting Nigerian cadets enrolled in the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). The call for action came in an open letter to NIMASA's Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.

The NSDP aims to train young Nigerians to become skilled seafarers contributing to both the Nigerian and global maritime industries. However, the IYC expressed worry that over 100 cadets, who began their training more than a decade ago, have been unable to finish their professional requirements. According to the IYC, these cadets have completed significant portions of their academic and sea-time training but are still waiting in Nigeria for deployment to the Philippines to take their Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations and complete the necessary steps.

The IYC pointed out several issues, including concerns over outstanding examination requirements, deployment arrangements, funding, visa processing, and travel logistics. They also mentioned previous attempts made in 2022 and 2025 to verify the cadets' status. A major concern is that some cadets were asked to renew their international passports for deployment but were not deployed.

The IYC demanded that NIMASA provide clear answers and make sure affected beneficiaries know the status of the funds allocated for their completion. They urged NIMASA to release the approved funds needed for examinations, deployment, travel, accommodation, visa processing, and other legitimate programme needs. The IYC also requested a definitive deployment timetable from NIMASA instead of further indefinite promises and a comprehensive status report detailing the remaining outstanding issues for each cadet.