The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has reignited its Seafarers Cadetship Development Programme (SCDP), a bold move to plug the global manpower gap and sharpen Nigeria’s competitive edge in international trade. This time, 21 cadets—13 from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, and eight from the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Delta State—are stepping aboard NLNG and NSML vessels for hands-on training. The goal? To equip them with the skills to navigate the ever-evolving technology landscape of the maritime industry.
Abdul-Kadir Ahmed, the Managing Director and CEO of NSML, set the tone at the induction ceremony, describing the cadetship scheme as a comprehensive learning programme designed to arm cadets with the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to excel in the dynamic shipping industry. “The scheme was originally conceived to support the development of competent Nigerian seafarers capable of meeting global standards while ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of energy products and building sustainable maritime capacity in Nigeria,” Ahmed said. His words underscore a critical truth: seafarers are the lifeblood of the shipping industry, the fulcrum for growth and development in both Nigerian and global shipping.
The urgency of this initiative was further highlighted by Jubril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at NIMASA. He pointed to the Philippines as a global leader in seafaring, supplying about 25% of the world’s seafaring workforce. This dominance, Abba noted, is no accident but the result of deliberate long-term training policies and human capacity development. “This should serve as a wake-up call to Nigeria on the potential economic value in developing its maritime labour force, not only for national fleet support but also for participation in international shipping manpower supply,” Abba stressed.
The renewed cadetship programme is also a lifeline for Nigerian cadets who have long struggled with securing sea-time placements. Dr. Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of MAN, Oron, revealed that many Nigerian cadets had abandoned the profession after graduation due to the lack of sea-time training opportunities. The new agreement between MAN and NSML now creates two reliable pathways for training Nigerian cadets, aligning with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) expectations. “This development aligns strongly with IMO expectations, as competent human capital remains the backbone of the global shipping industry,” Okonna said. The academy plans to train up to 40 cadets in batches, with 20 in the first phase.
Prof. Flora Oluwafemi, Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, praised the NSML initiative, noting that it would expose NMU cadets to real-time industrial learning, bridging the gap between theory and practical experience. “The initiative is a long-awaited bridge between theory and real-sector experience,” she said, highlighting the need for such programmes in Nigeria’s educational system.
This move by NSML is more than just a training programme; it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future. By equipping cadets with the skills to meet global standards, NSML is not only addressing immediate manpower needs but also positioning Nigeria to compete on the international stage. The programme’s success could inspire similar initiatives across the country, fostering a new generation of skilled seafarers ready to navigate the complexities of modern shipping.