Union Tasks NIMASA To Build Capacity For Seafarers’

On Feb 10, 2021

L-R: Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA, Mr. Victor Ochei , Secretary General, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, John Okpono And National President of the union, Comrade Bob Yousuo during the official Presentation of a vehicle to the union in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) on Tuesday, appealed to the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to involve members of the union in its capacity building programmes.

The National President of the union, Comrade Bob Yousou made the plea during the presentation of a new Toyota Hiace bus to the Trade Union Congress affiliate group by management of the apex maritime regulatory agency in Lagos.

Yousou reiterated that training and retraining of members’ on current shipping techniques would make Nigerians seafarers’ compete favourably with their foreign counterparts anywhere in the world .

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The President reiterated that ” the NIMASA capacity and manpower development programme that is coming, should consider our executives and members . Training of seafarers’ is paramount and that is why we are appealing for us to be carried along in the area of training”.

Recall that the Nigerian Merchant Navy had requested for the agency to assist in providing an operational vehicle for over five years .

On the bus presented to the union, Yousou appreciated the agency for making the dream a reality.

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Speaking further, he pledged the union’s support to the agency , saying members would always work hand in hand with NIMASA for the progress and upliftment of the industry.

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But while speaking, the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA, Victor Ochei explained that the delay was due to the bureaucratic nature in government agencies.

He added that the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise made several years ago.

In his words, “Even though I know that this is one request that was made long before I came, it happened.

“In this administration led by Bashir Jamoh, we try as much as possible to see that anything we put our hands in, we do it.

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“We are doing this gesture today in fulfilment of that promise,” he said.

By Roland Ekama