Oyetola says Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described seafarers as the lifeblood of the maritime industry, and are essential to the success of the blue economy.

The Minister, stated this in his keynote address in Lagos during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer, with the theme “Navigating the Future, Safety First” and assured that the Federal Government is committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.

The Minister, who was represented at the event by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata, 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.

According to the minister, “Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. They 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. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade.”

He assured that the Federal Government remained committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.

“We are committed to providing comprehensive training programmes, enforcing stringent safety regulations, and offering continuous support to ensure our seafarers are among the best trained and most resilient in the world. We are dedicated to building on this foundation, ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime landscape,” he assured.

He assured to prioritise the growth and development of the maritime sector, adding that its development will benefit the present and future generations.

On 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 faced by seafarers.

Mobereola, stated that Nigeria has the potential to be a maritime powerhouse, with the right policies in place.

He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration is a call to address the challenging conditions seafarers face while navigating the sea.

DG NIMASA said “We recognise the humongous challenges seafarers face while sailing; ranging from piracy, kidnapping, encounter at war zones, exposure to health risks and unfair treatment. Notwithstanding all these, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the last two years; we will not rest on our oars as the life of every seafarer matters.”

Speaking virtually, Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), highlighted that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector.

She lauded NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.

On his part, Prof. Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed appreciation to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.