FG Assures of Harassment-Free Seas, Upgrades Maritime Training
The Federal Government yesterday pledged sweeping reforms to eliminate harassment at sea and elevate training standards across its maritime institutions.
Speaking at the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola underscored the government’s resolve to build a “harassment-free ship” culture under the theme “My Harassment-Free Ship.”
Oyetola announced that new policies will crack down on bullying and abuse onboard, in full alignment with the latest amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
“Harassment and bullying have no place in the Nigerian maritime industry,” he declared, pledging mandatory anti-harassment modules for all seafarers and compulsory training for ship officers and crew.
A cornerstone of the reforms will be comprehensive upgrades at the country’s maritime training colleges.
The Minister revealed plans to inject fresh capital into infrastructure, expand capacity-building programs, and revamp curricula to meet and exceed global benchmarks.
“We are committed to full compliance with the STCW Convention,” Oyetola said, “ensuring our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.”
Beyond training, the government will tighten oversight of recruitment and placement agencies to protect seafarers from exploitation. Regulatory reforms will require agencies to register under stricter codes of conduct, provide transparent contracts, and submit to regular audits.
Minister Oyetola also announced collaborations with shipowners to guarantee fair wages, decent living quarters, and safer onboard conditions.
To bridge the gap between seafarers and support services, the Ministry will launch a digital platform designed to connect mariners with welfare networks, mental-health resources, and overseas job opportunities.
“This portal will serve as a one-stop hub for career advancement and peer support,” the Minister explained, noting forthcoming bilateral agreements that will extend protections to Nigerian seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels.
Closely monitoring these initiatives will be a joint task force comprising representatives from the Ministry, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and leading seafarers’ unions.
The task force will issue quarterly progress reports and host town-hall sessions in major port cities.
