7,059 Nigerian Seafarers Deployed for Sea-Time Experience

Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced the deployment of 7,059 Nigerian seafarers on vessels to gain sea-time experience. Under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), 135 cadets have completed the program and received Certificates of Competency.

Additionally, 222 seafarers were trained free of charge in various professional courses, while 333 cadets completed their academic training and earned degrees. Oyetola directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to collaborate with 12 approved Primary Lending Institutions to expedite the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to eligible Nigerian shipowners.

This initiative aims to resolve over two decades of delays in fund disbursement and is expected to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs in the maritime sector. The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu's authorization, is committed to addressing the financing needs of domestic maritime operators and enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian seafarers.