Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) and NLNG Ship Management Limited (NMSL) have provided sea-time training opportunities to 30 Nigerian cadets, marking another step toward addressing the long-standing sea-time gap in the country’s maritime sector.
The cadets, drawn from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, were selected for the programme under a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening indigenous maritime capacity and improving employability for Nigerian seafarers.
The sea-time training, conducted onboard NMSL-managed vessels, is designed to give the cadets practical shipboard experience required for certification and professional advancement.
Officials said the initiative aligns with national efforts to develop skilled manpower for Nigeria’s maritime industry, while reducing reliance on foreign seafarers.
They added that the partnership underscores the private sector’s growing role in supporting maritime education and training in the country.
The beneficiaries are expected to complete their mandatory sea-time requirements, positioning them for certification and future career opportunities within the global shipping industry.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kelvin Okonna said that the initiative is part of the signed Memorandum of Agreement between both institutions to boost indigenoues manpower development in the Nigerian shipping sector.
Okonna reminded the cadets that Academy, the NSML, Nigeria, the IMO and the global shipping industry need them to be successfully certificated as seafaring officers and contribute to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafaring officers.
He said: ” I join the MD of the NSML to welcome you all to this milestone event that defines the capacity of the MAN for an all-inclusive seafarers training in Nigeria.
“I am honest to tell you that today is one of my happiest days as the Acting Rector & CEO of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. This is the day that the Academy and the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) have, through the execution of the MOA signed on 19th December, 2025, re-established the special relationship that has existed between both organisations over the years and led to the supply of excellent seafaring officers and ratings for global shipping.
“Our partnership has again ensured the realization of the dreams of another set of 30 seafaring cadets from the Academy through onboard training opportunities in line with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
“The hope and motivation that these events have generated amongst seafaring cadets in the Academy cannot be underestimated. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been informed through Nigeria’s Alternate Representative, APR of the incredible contributions of the NSML to seafarers training and the live-streaming link to this event has been shared with the APR.
“It is my understanding that through the MAN, Oron-NSML partnership Nigeria is assuring the global maritime industry that the country has the capacity and is committed to making its contributions to the supply of quality seafarers to the industry. As we are all aware, seafarers bear the enormous responsibility of operating the ships in the tough seas environment and carry by sea about 90% of global trade. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of this day, where many of the potential seafarers are given the opportunity to progress toward their certification through onboard training on some of the best ships operated by an international company of very high repute.”
To the cadets being inducted today, I urge you to carry with you to the ship the good qualities that the Academy has inculcated in you, including good conduct, hard work, resilience, humility, leadership and integrity. Remember always that this opportunity is rare and very expensive and that you have signed an undertaking to the Academy to be of good conduct throughout this training and during your professional career.
The Academy, the NSML, Nigeria, the IMO and the global shipping industry need you to be successfully certificated as seafaring officers and contribute to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafaring officers.
Similarly, the Managing Director of NSML, Ahmed Abdulkadir disclosed that In December 2025, NSML signed a strategic agreement (MOU), with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, to provide structured training for cadets through our Maritime Centre of Excellence.
Abdukadir explained that the decision for collaboration was not accidental, adding that it was a deliberate investment in people the most critical element in maritime operations.
He said: “Today we are witnessing the first fruits of that commitment. This induction is another strong testament to NSML’s unwavering dedication to excellence, capacity development, and industry leadership. Over the years, NSML has built a reputation as a leading provider of maritime and shipping services not only in Nigeria but across the region.
“Our track record of developing competent and globally competitive seafarers is well established and it continues to stand us out in the industry.
“The establishment of the Maritime Centre of Excellence was anchored on a simple but powerful vision: to build a premier maritime training institution that delivers world class programmes, produces capable professionals, and supports the longterm sustainability of the maritime workforce.”
