Mr Viral
By Godwin Oritse
Nigeria accounts for less than 2.3 percent of the global seafaring workforce, with only about 6,000 sailors registered out of the 1.9 million seafarers listed worldwide.
Capt. Rasheed Onakoya of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), disclosed this in a presentation at the quarterly lecture of the association, adding that only deliberate government intervention and policies can reverse the trend.
Onakoya noted that there are currently more seafarers than ships and shipping companies globally, which has led to increased employment opportunities for sailors. He, however, stressed that Nigeria risks missing out if its maritime training institutions are not upgraded to meet international best practices.
“Nigeria currently records less than 2.3 percent of global seafarers, with only 6,000 registered sailors out of the 1.9 million listed worldwide,” he said.
“The trend is global even developed nations are affected. However, Asian countries are moving fast to close the gaps. The seafaring profession can be used to tackle unemployment in Nigeria.”
Despite their vital role, he lamented that many face poor working conditions, delayed or underpaid wages, inadequate medical care, and arbitrary dismissals violations that undermine their dignity and contributions to national development.
To address these challenges, Onakoya recommended enhanced maritime education and training, stronger labour policy enforcement, institutional reforms, and the appointment of core marine professionals to strategic positions.
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