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Seafarers Awards Nigeria recently hosted its 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony, bringing together Nigerian seafarers and a broad spectrum of maritime stakeholders to reflect on industry progress while celebrating excellence and dedication within the sector.
The event, which held on December 13, 2025, was conducted virtually and attracted strong participation from professionals across Nigeria’s maritime value chain.
The ceremony was organised by the Seafarers Advancement Charity Initiative as part of its ongoing effort to recognise outstanding Nigerian seafarers and promote improved welfare standards across the industry. Organisers reiterated that the awards platform goes beyond recognition, serving as a forum for advocacy and constructive dialogue on policies that directly affect seafarers’ careers, safety, and long-term wellbeing.
The 2025 edition was held under the theme, “Building a Better Future for Nigerian Seafarers: One Where They Are Truly Valued, Rightfully Protected, and Fully Supported.” Discussions throughout the event focused on the urgent need for coherent national policies that address training, certification, employment opportunities, and post-service support for seafarers.
Speakers noted that the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector are closely linked to how effectively its seafarers are trained, protected, and integrated into global shipping operations.
The event featured high-profile guest speakers, including Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, and Captain Ladi Olubowale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seamate Group. A robust panel discussion was moderated by Ezinne Azunna, with contributions from Captain Tayo Sobajo, Principal Marine Consultant at Calm Marine UK; Captain Segun Akanbi, President of MARPRO; and Madam Koni Duniya, President of FESAN. The panel examined gaps in policy implementation, workforce development challenges, and the evolving expectations of the global maritime labour market.
In her remarks, Mrs. Agbor emphasised that seafarers’ welfare extends beyond labour considerations, describing it as a development and governance issue that demands national attention.
She underscored the strategic importance of shipping to the global economy, noting that more than 80 per cent of international trade is carried by sea, making the wellbeing of seafarers critical to global commerce.
Captain Olubowale, meanwhile, highlighted ongoing transformations in global shipping driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and automation.
He stated that Nigerian seafarers have consistently demonstrated the competence to compete internationally but stressed that this potential can only be fully realised through a clearly defined and effectively implemented national policy that supports seafarers from training through to employment.
The awards segment of the ceremony recognised individual excellence within the industry. Douglas Oliver Ekereke was named Cadet of the Year, while Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze received the Crew Manager of the Year award, with both honourees commended for their professionalism and commitment to the maritime profession.
The event was supported by Maritimelinkup and Crew 360 and drew participation from a wide audience of seafarers, maritime professionals, and industry stakeholders. Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the awards as a platform for recognition, advocacy, and continuous engagement aimed at advancing the welfare and professional growth of Nigerian seafarers.
