NMNOWTSSA President Hails NIMASA on Maritime Security, Demands Better Welfare for Nigerian Seafarers
By Comrade Ifeanyi Chukwu
The National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), Chief Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for significant improvements in maritime security, while demanding urgent reforms to improve the welfare, remuneration, and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
Chief Yousuo made the call during his goodwill message at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He praised NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy for their sustained efforts in combating piracy and insecurity in Nigerian waters, noting that the nation’s maritime domain has witnessed remarkable stability under the leadership of NIMASA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
“Since Dr. Dayo Mobereola assumed office as DG/CEO of NIMASA, there have been no reported attacks on Nigerian seafarers onboard vessels. This is highly commendable and deserves recognition,” Yousuo stated.
Despite the progress, the labour leader stressed that Nigerian seafarers continue to face poor remuneration, inadequate welfare, and limited international recognition of their professional certifications.
“While we commend the achievements recorded in maritime security, our seafarers remain poorly remunerated. NIMASA must do more to improve their welfare and working conditions,” he declared.
He further urged the Federal Government and relevant maritime authorities to secure global acceptance of Nigerian Certificates of Competency (COCs) through effective multilateral agreements and the strengthening of the Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) regime.
Yousuo also called for the immediate ratification and implementation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 188 on Work in Fishing, describing it as critical to protecting the rights and welfare of workers in the fishing sector.
‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks’
The 2026 Day of the Seafarer was celebrated under the theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks,” highlighting the enormous sacrifices, dangers, and pressures faced daily by seafarers across the world.
The campaign emphasized the indispensable role seafarers play in sustaining global trade despite exposure to piracy, harsh weather, fatigue, isolation, conflict zones, and other occupational hazards.
In a passionate address, Yousuo described seafarers as the invisible engine of the global economy.
“You carry 90 per cent of global trade on your shoulders. Food, petroleum products, medicines, electronics, and essential goods move across the world because seafarers endure months at sea, storms, piracy, fatigue, and isolation,” he said.
“Yet, despite carrying the risks, Nigerian seafarers continue to face poor wages, abandoned vessels, non-recognition of Nigerian COCs, injustice, and poor welfare conditions.”
He insisted that if seafarers are expected to sustain global trade, they must also enjoy protection in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 standards, including fair wages, decent accommodation, medical care, adequate rest, and respect for their rights.
Calls for Urgent Maritime Reforms
The NMNOWTSSA President issued a seven-point demand to NIMASA and the Federal Government, urging immediate action to reposition Nigeria’s maritime labour sector.
According to him, authorities must fully enforce the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement, ratify ILO Convention 188, ensure global acceptability of Nigerian COCs, prioritize continuous training for seafarers and union executives, fund union welfare from Cabotage dividends, strictly enforce the Cabotage Act without waivers, and establish a national shipping carrier.
“We need action, not promises,” Yousuo declared.
Minister Launches Seafarers’ Portal
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the Seafarers Discharge Book Portal by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who was represented at the ceremony.
A live demonstration of the digital portal was presented as part of efforts aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s maritime administration system and improving documentation processes for seafarers.
The event also featured paper presentations by maritime experts, including Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Deep Marine Service Ltd, who spoke on the theme, “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risks,” and Dr. Ismail Adesina, who delivered a presentation titled, “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Invisible Burden: Protecting Seafarers’ Mental Health.”
The panel discussion was chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, Managing Director/CEO of Brick Musten Mattoni Ltd, with contributions from industry stakeholders, including Capt. Adebayo Omotosho of NIMASA, Engr. Kudodah Martins Oluwafunmilayo Oluwatope of LTT Coastal and Marine Services Ltd, Esther Peter Udoh of Matrix Energy Group, and Capt. Lewis Obiahu of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd.
Outstanding Seafarers Honoured
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of awards to outstanding Nigerian seafarers for excellence, professionalism, and bravery in service.
Among the award recipients were Iyang Oko Ete of Ocean Deep Services Ltd, who emerged as Able Seaman of the Year; Raymond Chuks James, honoured as Galley/Chef of the Year; and Engr. Paul Ogumah of Matrix Energy Group, who won the Most Outstanding Male Seafarer Award.
Engr. Kudodah Martins Oluwafunmilayo Oluwatope of LTT Coastal and Marine Services Ltd received the award for Best Female Most Outstanding Seafarer.
Special recognition was also accorded to Harrison Okenne, who survived for three days underwater after a vessel mishap in Nigerian waters several years ago. Okenne gained international recognition after narrating his survival story before the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
NIMASA equally presented an award to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in recognition of his support for reforms and developmental strides within the maritime sector.
Manning agents and maritime stakeholders were also honoured for their continued support and contributions to the welfare and development of Nigerian seafarers.
