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Thirty-four beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) have successfully obtained their Certificates of Competency (CoC), marking a significant breakthrough after years of delay in securing mandatory sea-time training.
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the newly certified officers, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria who demonstrated resilience, discipline, and professionalism in overcoming longstanding challenges.
Speaking during a reception in Lagos, Mobereola noted that the cadets’ journey reflects determination in the face of adversity even as he urged them to uphold high professional standards and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the maritime sector.
“You have weathered the storm; the future will be easier for you. We are proud of you,” he said, while charging the officers to mentor younger cadets and sustain excellence in their careers.
The NSDP beneficiaries, who had trained in Romania, had faced nearly eight years without sea-time placement and certification—an impediment that stalled their professional progression.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Edet Uttibe Michael expressed gratitude to the NIMASA leadership for resolving the impasse, describing the intervention as timely and transformative.
“We came to express our sincere appreciation. You restored our hope and made our dreams a reality,” he said.
The breakthrough followed a strategic intervention by NIMASA in 2024, which facilitated the placement of 40 cadets at Tyne Coast College, South Shields Marine School, United Kingdom, for mandatory sea-time training and certification. Of the cohort, 34 successfully earned their CoCs.
