NSDP milestone: 34 cadets earn certification, NIMASA applauds resilience

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has commended graduates of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for their resilience and professionalism following the award of their Certificates of Competency (CoC), describing them as globally competitive maritime professionals.

Mobereola gave the commendation during an appreciation visit by the newly certified seafarers in Lagos, where he lauded the 34 beneficiaries as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria in the international maritime industry.

“You have weathered the storm; the future will be easier for you. We are proud of you,” he said.

Cadets’ Resilience Through Years of Uncertainty

The NIMASA boss acknowledged the prolonged challenges faced by the cadets, many of whom endured years of uncertainty before attaining their certification.
According to him, their perseverance reflects the discipline and determination required to succeed in the highly competitive global maritime space.

“Your journey speaks to your strength of character. Challenges are not setbacks but opportunities to grow and become better professionals,” Mobereola added.

Mobereola charged the newly certified officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and consistency as they advance in their careers.
He emphasized that while the Nigerian maritime sector stands to benefit from their expertise, the global shipping industry also presents vast opportunities for those who remain focused and committed.

The Director-General further urged the graduates to contribute to the development of the sector by mentoring younger cadets.

“As you progress, remember to give back. Mentorship and knowledge transfer are essential for sustaining growth in the maritime industry,” he said.

Expressing Gratitude

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Edet Uttibe Michael expressed appreciation to the NIMASA leadership for addressing what he described as a long-standing bottleneck in their professional journey.
He revealed that after completing their maritime education in Romania, many of the cadets were unable to secure mandatory sea-time training for nearly eight years, delaying their certification and career progression.

“We came to express our sincere appreciation for your magnanimity. You restored our hope and made our dreams come true,” he said.

Reforms Unlock Opportunities

The breakthrough follows strategic interventions introduced by NIMASA in 2024 to bridge the sea-time and certification gap affecting NSDP beneficiaries.
As part of the initiative, 40 cadets were deployed to Tyne Coast College South Shields Marine School in the United Kingdom for further training, with 34 successfully earning their Certificates of Competency.
Industry stakeholders have described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s maritime capacity-building efforts, noting that it enhances the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.

New Chapter Begins

For the newly certified officers, the achievement marks the end of a long and uncertain wait, and the beginning of a new chapter defined by opportunity, professionalism, and global relevance.
Observers say the success of the programme signals renewed commitment to human capital development in Nigeria’s maritime sector and positions the country more strongly within the international labour market.