The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has strengthened its partnership with the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) to promote improved welfare, decent working conditions and professional development for Nigerian seafarers.
The renewed commitment was highlighted when the Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, and the Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach, visited the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.
Representing the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, said the Agency remains focused on implementing policies and initiatives that enhance the wellbeing, certification and career advancement of Nigerian seafarers.
Adeyemi noted that NIMASA would continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the Mission to Seafarers, to ensure that maritime professionals receive the necessary support both onboard vessels and while in port.
“NIMASA remains committed to improving the welfare of seafarers through enhanced certification processes, capacity development, and policies that promote their wellbeing and professional advancement.
“We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders such as the Mission to Seafarers to ensure that seafarers receive the support they deserve both at sea and in port”, he said.
Earlier, Sarumi commended NIMASA for its ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, noting that the Mission to Seafarers has remained committed globally to providing welfare support, pastoral care and practical assistance to seafarers.
He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration with NIMASA would further strengthen welfare services available to maritime professionals operating within the Nigerian maritime environment.
The Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Rautenbach, explained that while the Mission to Seafarers and Port Welfare Committees share similar objectives of improving seafarers’ welfare, both organisations operate under distinct but complementary mandates.
He stressed that closer cooperation among maritime stakeholders would enhance the support systems available to seafarers visiting Nigerian ports and contribute to improved working conditions within the sector.
The engagement provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss key issues affecting seafarers, including welfare services, decent working conditions and areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening support mechanisms in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
NIMASA said its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers remains aligned with international best practices and the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
Through continuous stakeholder engagement, stronger regulatory oversight and policies promoting decent work, the Agency said it will continue to support an environment where seafarers’ rights, welfare and professional growth are adequately protected.