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Capacity Development: NIMASA Reviews Sponsorship Of Cadets Training

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The Sick Truth of How Protesting NIMASA Cadets In Philippines Were Denied Access into The Nigerian Embassy

 

By John Mommoh

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, is currently reviewing the cost of direct sponsorship of Nigerian cadets undergoing foreign training under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Capacity Development: NIMASA Reviews Sponsorship Of Cadets TrainingThe Director General of NIMASA Dr Bashir Jamoh noted that the review of ongoing sponsorship costs has become necessary due to the global inflationary trends which are very pronounced in the Philippines, India and some other countries where Nigerian cadets are undergoing Certificate of Competency (CoC) Examination training under the NSDP programme. The sponsorship covers training leading to obtaining a Certificate of Competency, CoC.

“We are not unmindful of the unforeseen global inflationary trend which has affected the cost of sustaining our cadets who are on sponsorship in some schools under the NSDP programme. Though NIMASA paid the tuition fee, examination fee and the original cost of feeding and accommodation in full, with allowance for extra funds as pocket money, however, it’s obvious that the cost of living has increased particularly in the Philippines due to the global inflation. The Agency is working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines to address the challenges associated with the unexpected price increases.

We have put in place immediate and long-term arrangements to minimize the effect of inflation on their living standard during the programme. The Management of the Agency has approved an additional $2,000 dollars for each cadet, as extra funds due to inflation. This is a short-term measure to cushion the effect. I am sure the Nigerian Embassy will get in touch with the students immediately after the funds are ready to be disbursed. It is a well-coordinated arrangement through the embassy.

While working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines to establish appropriate extra funds that may be required, NIMASA Management is deploying a team on fact-finding to interact with the students currently in the Philippines, officials of the Nigerian Embassy, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippines, some Licensure Examination Training & Review Centres (TRCs).

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146 cadets have acquired the Philippines sailing license through the NSDP programme with 134 currently undergoing the Programme and a further 170 being prepared to proceed to the Philippines for the examinations.”

The Agency has also made firm arrangements to ensure those cadets who have spent the stipulated 6 months approved for the CoC programme in the Philipines return home immediately. NIMASA urged the cadets to ensure they conclude their CoC examinations as scheduled.

NIMASA initiated the Nigerian Seafarers’ Development Programme (NSDP) in 2008 with the aim of addressing the dearth of Nigerian seafarers on ocean-going vessels and the need to meet the indigenous manning requirements of coastal and inland shipping (Cabotage regime).

The programme is designed to train Nigerian youth to become seafarers and Naval Architects in some of the best Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) across the World.

So far the Agency has trained 2,241 cadets from the inception of the programme, with 841 graduates having obtained sailing licenses (Certificate of Competency) from Maritime Administrations of various countries. Out of this number, around 388 are now gainfully employed in maritime-related organizations, while others are in their final stages of the Programme.

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Maritime

New NIMASA DG Promises Purpose-Driven Organisation, Effective Communication

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The newly appointed Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola says the Agency’s Management under his leadership will build a purpose driven organisation.

He also promised prioritising effective communication at all levels to enhance innovation, collaboration and synergy.

Biztellers reports that he made the assertion in his maiden address on his assumption of duty, where he also noted that the Agency under his leadership would prioritize safety, security, efficiency, environmental sustainability amongst others.

He said, “We must strive to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

“As leaders in the sector, we must embrace innovation, adapt change, and continuously seek ways to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of our maritime operations.

“I do not doubt that every individual within our organization has the potential to achieve greatness; we will therefore, ensure that we build a purpose-driven organisation by investing in our staff, processes, and the entire system to achieve our mandate. I aim to foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and synergy, creating an atmosphere that encourages the development of our employees’ skills, talents, and creativity.”

He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the Agency.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for entrusting me with this crucial responsibility.

“I am highly aware of the immense trust and confidence the President placed in me. It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that I step into this position, fully committed to steering our organisation toward greater heights, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and service to our nation”, he said.

He thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his guidance throughout the appointment process, and expressed readiness to work with the Minister in achieving the objectives of the Ministry for the sector.

Earlier, the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile who led other Management staff to receive the DG noted that the entire Management and staff of the Agency were elated to welcome him to the Agency, while also pledging the cooperation of the staff for the success of the Agency.

Recall that on March 11, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Dayo Mobereola to serve as the DG of the NIMASA for a renewable term of four years.

Dr. Mobereola holds a Ph. D and an M. Sc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom.

He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria.

He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) from 2003 to 2015 and the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.

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NIMASA DG: Jamoh Hands Over To Offodile

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Outgoing Director-General, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has handed over the affairs of the Agency to the Acting Director-General, Hon Chudi Offodile.

The change of baton ceremonies took place at NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, on Monday.

Biztellers reports that Hon Offodile, was NIMASA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, before his new role.

Dr. Jamoh handed over to Hon Offodile in compliance with the Federal Government Establishment Circular tagged “End of Tenure Processes for Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Director-Generals, Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-Owned Companies and Succession Guideline” dated 4th December 2017.

Dr Jamoh’s tenure expired on March 10, 2024.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for giving him the opportunity to serve in the capacity as Director General and urged the next leadership of the Agency to consolidate on the gains of the past four years.

He said, “I wish to express gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Federal Government for the privilege given me to serve Nigeria in this capacity, as I count myself a privileged Nigerian to have occupied this position, while also contributing my quota to the Nigerian maritime sector.

“Let me also use this opportunity to assure the staff of the Agency that wherever I am, I will still remain a part of this family; a place I have spent the active 30 years of my life.”

He also used the opportunity to thank staff of the Agency for the cooperation enjoyed and their professionalism in assisting the Agency in the realization of its mandate. He enjoined them to keep up the good work and cooperate with the new leadership of the Agency.

On his part, Hon Offodile thanked Jamoh for bringing his wealth of experience to the sector, while also stating that the expertise of the outgoing DG would continue to be required in the industry.

“I want to express my gratitude to the outgoing DG for being a guide to me upon assumption of office as the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, four years ago. The industry will continue to call on you for your expertise,” the Acting DG said.

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Maritime

NIMASA Opens Maritime Museum

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All is set for the official opening of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Maritime Museum.

As a prelude to the official opening of the museum, which would be the first in Nigeria, the Director-General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh inspected the museum last weekend.

He noted that the museum will serve purposes such as archiving, educating stakeholders and tourism for both local and international tourists.

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