Nigeria’s seafarers keep global trade moving, yet many continue to work under difficult and risky conditions. To address this, stakeholders across the maritime industry have called for stronger protection, improved welfare and sustained investment in the nation’s seafarers.
The call was made at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
Held under the theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” the event brought together members of the National Assembly, policymakers, government officials, security agencies, labour unions and maritime stakeholders to recognise the critical role of seafarers in global commerce and advocate better support for the workforce.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, described the theme as a true reflection of the sacrifices made by seafarers. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to legislation that promotes maritime safety, seafarers’ welfare, indigenous shipping and maritime education.
“Seafarers are indispensable to international trade and deserve policies that guarantee their safety, welfare and professional advancement. The National Assembly will continue to support legislative initiatives that strengthen the maritime sector and position Nigerian seafarers to compete effectively in the global shipping industry,” he said.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Makoji Musa, also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving seafarers’ welfare, promoting decent work and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime workforce under the Blue Economy agenda.
He noted that investing in seafarers is an investment in Nigeria’s economic future, stressing that they remain the backbone of global trade.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, observed that although seafarers facilitate more than 80 per cent of global trade, they continue to face occupational hazards, security threats and long periods away from their families.
He said NIMASA remains committed to implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and strengthening the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), through which more than 2,459 cadets have been trained. He also disclosed that adopting the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization wage scale has increased the earnings of Nigerian seafarers by more than 150 per cent.
“NIMASA will continue to place the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers at the centre of its regulatory responsibilities because a resilient maritime industry can only be built on a motivated, well-trained and adequately protected workforce,” Mobereola said.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, commended Nigerian seafarers for their contribution to national and global commerce and pledged the Nigerian Navy’s continued collaboration with NIMASA to ensure safer and more secure maritime operations.
President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, also praised NIMASA for its sustained efforts to improve the welfare, working conditions and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
At the end of the event, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting NIMASA’s drive to enhance maritime safety, human capacity development and seafarers’ welfare as Nigeria pursues its ambition of becoming a leading maritime nation.
