NIMASA, ITF Endorse MOU on Seafarer Well-being

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of Nigerian seafarers and cadets. The agreement, signed at a three-day program titled "Stress: Understanding, Early Management and Coping," aims to train maritime professionals and integrate wellbeing modules into training curricula.

NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the program's importance in addressing stress, anxiety, depression and burnout among seafarers, citing a 2019 study that found one in four seafarers showed signs of depression and one in six exhibited signs of anxiety. ITF Africa Regional Secretary, Mr Safiyanu Dauda Mohammed, noted that this was the first MoU of its kind for Africa, highlighting the critical role seafarers play in the maritime sector and the need to prioritize their wellbeing.