By Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has firmly stated that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will continue its National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), dismissing any claims of its cancellation. The minister made the remarks during the 27th Maritime Industry Merit Awards held in Lagos.
The NSDP, a flagship capacity-building initiative by NIMASA, aims to prepare young Nigerians for maritime careers and strengthen the local workforce under the Cabotage Act. “We are not scrapping the NSDP,” Oyetola clarified, adding, “A key focus of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is empowering Nigerian youths in the maritime sector.”
Addressing another critical issue, Oyetola debunked rumors that the federal government intends to sideline the Eastern ports. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to inclusive economic growth and that no port is being deliberately underutilized.
To back this up, Oyetola highlighted several modernization projects. “We have commenced the procurement process for the comprehensive modernisation of the Eastern Ports,” he said, pointing to ongoing upgrades aimed at boosting capacity, attracting traffic, and transforming regional logistics.
He praised the recent progress at Onne Port in Rivers State, which he said now receives container vessels comparable to those in Lagos. “This transformation is the result of deliberate government action aimed at repositioning the port,” he said. Onne is now viewed as a viable alternative for cargo movement in Nigeria’s shipping landscape.
Oyetola also mentioned the reconstruction of the East-West Road, a key infrastructure upgrade to enhance cargo transport from port to hinterland. He concluded by stressing the federal government’s commitment to decentralizing economic activity and ensuring balanced development across all regions.
