NSDP: Romanian‑Trained Deck Cadets Stranded , As NIMASA, Minister Get 48‑Hour Ultimatum
By Roland Ekama
A coalition of concerned stakeholders has issued an open appeal to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, warning that dozens of Romanian-trained Nigerian deck cadets are stranded in career limbo while awaiting crucial sea-time placements and Certificates of Competency (CoC).
The cadets, sponsored under a NIMASA development programme and trained abroad between 2012 and 2017, completed their academic and professional programs but now face prolonged delays securing the mandatory sea-time and CoC certification needed to enter the workforce.
The open letter, delivered by “Concerned Stakeholders and Advocates for Nigerian Maritime Capacity Development,” and sighted by DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA on Wednesday, June 3rd 2026, described the situation as unacceptable, saying every year of inactivity erodes competence and wastes government investment.
The letter calls for immediate, concrete action: facilitation of CoC sea-time placements for eligible cadets, transparent status updates on placement efforts, defined timelines and implementation strategies to clear the backlog, and stronger collaboration between NIMASA, shipping companies, and industry stakeholders to secure practical training slots.
The stakeholders warned that continued inaction risks undermining Nigeria’s drive for indigenous participation in the shipping industry and could impose severe financial, emotional and psychological burdens on the cadets and their families.
They urged the ministry and NIMASA to treat the matter as a national priority and provide a clear roadmap to certification and employment.
The appeal singled out the heavy public investment in maritime manpower development and asked whether Nigeria can afford to let trained seafarers remain idle while the sector competes globally for skilled personnel.
The letter also referenced related agencies, including the Nigerian Port Authority (Warri), Nigerian Shippers Council, and the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, as stakeholder partners who should engage in resolving the crisis.
The group expects swift ministerial and agency action, frequent public communication on progress, and immediate arrangements to place cadets on vessels for required sea-time so they can qualify for CoC issuance.
The open letter was circulated with tags linking NIMASA, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Nigerian Port Authority (Warri), Nigerian Shippers Council and others. Social media tags used included #NIMASA #NSDP #deckcadets #CoCPlacement #Romaniantrained.
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