By Sylvia Akpan
A group of Nigerian Seafarers cadets seeks the intervention of all and sundry on the alleged “ongoing mismanagement” and prolonged delay in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) handling of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP).
The group said in 2012, NIMASA launched the NSDP with the promise of developing a skilled maritime workforce. Over 2,000 cadets were said to have been selected and sent to countries including the Philippines, Egypt, the UK, Romania, and India to study Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Naval Architecture.
The program was designed to last four years. However, thirteen years later, many of the aggrieved members are unable to complete their training due to unfulfilled obligations by NIMASA – most critically, the payment for Certificate of Competency (CoC) exams.
In a letter of appeal made available by Nku Daniel Ozim, behalf of the affected NSDP cadets and obtained by CrossRiverWatch, states that over 170 cadets remain stranded, unable to proceed with the final phase of certification due to non-payment of CoC fees by NIMASA.
They said despite numerous protests, engagements, and assurances from the agency, no meaningful progress is said to have been made.
The appeal averred that towards the end of 2024, a glimmer of hope was given when the agency stated that by the first quarter of 2025, the issues would finally be resolved. They were informed that funding was no longer the problem and that the agency would attend to all pending matters. However, the same excuses resurfaced—claims of unavailable funds and incomplete approvals.
“Worse still, in March 2024, amidst another round of protests, we discovered that NIMASA was preparing to send yet another batch of 100 new cadets abroad—this, while our own decade-long journey remains incomplete. This action not only reflects poor prioritization but suggests systemic failure, and possibly collusion, within the agency to misappropriate funds meant for existing cadets.”
They pointed out that while cadets in other schools were attended to and had their certification processes concluded, those in the Philippines were once again asked to remain patient. They were told that the Director-General had not approved the Philippines CoC files.
According to them, the assertion raised pressing questions why the DG refused to approve the Philippines CoC files? Why they are being made to wait 14 years as many of them still without BSc degrees and advance in their careers. “These are the clarifications we desperately need and the injustices we are begging you to help us address.”
They said: “NIMASA continues to hide behind claims of budget delays, yet continues new recruitments under the same program. This contradiction raises serious concerns about transparency and the true intent behind the agency’s actions.
“The psychological and emotional toll of this ordeal cannot be overstated. Several of our colleagues have sadly passed away in the course of this program. Our careers, families, and futures hang in the balance due to the negligence and indifference shown by NIMASA.”
They appeal to those in the positions – the media, civil society organizations and other rights activists to “Compel NIMASA to immediately pay our Certificate of Competency (CoC) fees for all pending cadets so we may complete our training and become employable in the maritime sector.
“Ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of funds allocated to the NSDP. We have exhausted all available channels within the agency.
The aggrieved group believe that with stakeholders interventions, the long-standing “injustice” can finally be addressed, and the hopes of over 170 young Nigerians can be restored.
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