Nigerian shipping veterans have called for intentional and continuous human resource development among industry practitioners in order to maintain optimal performance in the maritime sector.
This was one of the submissions at a one-day conference organized by the African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigeria, in Lagos on Thursday themed “Blue Economy and Professional Capacity Building for the Next Generation.”
While delivering the keynote address, the Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners/ former Continental President, WIMAFRICA, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), stressed that by investing in professional capacity building, individuals can advance their careers and contribute to the development of the blue economy.
“As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it is essential to foster a knowledgeable workforce. By exploring the diverse career skilled paths and prioritizing professional development, individuals can unlock the potential of the blue economy and shape a sustainable maritime future,” she said.
Anishere observed that navigating career path in the maritime industry is a journey that requires continuous learning, strategic networking, hands-on experience, and a proactive approach to career development.
While commending WIMA Nigeria for incorporating students and young practitioners in the seminar, Anishere posited that by understanding the industry landscape, investing in education and training, building a strong professional network, gaining practical experience, developing leadership skills, staying informed about industry trends, and soft skills, one can successfully chart a course for long-term career growth.
Meanwhile, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barr. Temisan Omatseye, encouraged the young participants to explore vocations in uncharted aspects of maritime like pipeline and cable installations on seabeds.
Omatseye, however, charged NIMASA not to neglect its responsibility on the regulation of activities on the seabed, especially for oil and gas installations and the telecommunications industry.
He underscored the importance of getting Nigeria on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List which would enable the country avail youths quality training opportunities in the maritime space.
“When I joined NIMASA as Director General, I met the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) that had been introduced but not yet implemented. I found at the time that officers at the Merchant Navy were aging and it was the same with Master Mariners and other seafarers.
“I approved that we commence NSDP training with the hope to replace the aging workforce and review the process in another 4 years. However, the problem escalated when we began training NSDP cadets without providing where to absorb them for seatime and permanent employment,” he said.
However, the former NIMASA helmsman opined that the emergence of Dangote Refinery has changed the narrative for seafaring in the country as it promises more seafaring employment opportunities.
Also speaking, the WIMAFRICA Continental Vice President, Mrs. Carol Ufere, admonished the participants to seize the opportunity to learn, network and build relationships that will advance their respective careers.
Ufere’s words: “I congratulate Mrs. Rollens Macfoy and the entire executives of WIMA-Nigeria for this strategic and laudable programme.”
In her welcome remarks, the WIMA Nigeria President, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, noted that globally the employment market has witnessed a spike in women taking on new jobs that were once traditionally for men, stressing that the maritime industry shouldn’t be left out.
She expressed delight that more women professionals are emerging in Nigeria, even as called for more opportunities across various aspects of the maritime sector.
“We need more women incorporated into the maritime sector. Today’s women walk the talk and deliver in whatever they want to do. When women live well and are fulfilled, they contribute their skills to the workforce, and raise happier, healthier, and more productive children too. They help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies. Educate a woman and you educate a nation and the world at large.
“The countries doing so well economically are those that have a greater percentage of women at the helm of affairs. Women are known for creating high-level corporate leadership for gender equality; treating people fairly at work, ensuring the health; well-being, and safety of all workers; promoting education, trainings, and professional development,” Macfoy said.
Maritime bigwigs graced the event in numbers, including; the Secretary General of African Shipowners Association, Funmi Folorunso; the Founder of African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Mogo; President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; Former Port Manager, Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa Port, NPA, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu.
Others were; Managing Partner, Maritime & Commercial Law Partners, Barr. Osuala Niagara; Lagos Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Sarat Braimah; President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa; Chairperson, Zoe Maritime Resources, Barr. (Mrs.) Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore; Managing Partner, Temerity International Experts Limited, Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi; the Deputy Director, NIMASA, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika; Group Human Resources Manager, LITT Coastal and Marine Services Limited, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze; among others.
