Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has revealed that a total of 8,014 seafarers were registered in 2021, 2022, and the first six months of 2023.
A statement by Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, Osagie Edward, said 24 MLC, 2006 certificates were issued in the year 2021, 49 MLC, 2006 certificates issued in the year 2022 and 63 MLC, 2006 certificates have been issued in the year 2023 (Jan-July).
“Thus, a total of 8,014 seafarers have been registered from 2021 to 2023 (Jan-July) and 136 MLC, 2006 certificates issued after inspections within the same years.
“Moreover 65 stevedoring companies, 26 terminal/jetty operators and 1,395 dockworkers have been registered from 2021 to 2023 (Jan-July).
“NIMASA under the current administration led by Dr. Bashir Jamoh, have placed 3,705 seafarers on board cabotage vessels in the year 2021, 7,238 seafarers placed in 2022 and 1013 placed in 2023 (Jan – July). Overall, a total of 11,956 Nigerian seafarers have been placed onboard Cabotage vessels from January-2021 to July- 2023.
“Resultantly, 539 Nigerian seafarers have been recommended for replacement in the first quarter of 2023,” NIMASA stated.
Speaking at the time, the NIMASA director-general, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, had noted that the agency was working with countries who were committed to an understanding for mutual recognition of Certificate of Competency (CoC) and that had underpinned the selection of the chosen Institutes to train the beneficiaries.
“It is also noteworthy that the Agency has succeeded in providing sea time for all beneficiaries of the NSDP. This implies that the bedrock for young Nigerians to earn foreign currencies and improve remittances to the country has been set by the agency,” he said.
