Nigeria: NIMASA secures ITF-UK grant to establish seafarers recreation centre in partnership with MWUN

The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in a significant stride towards enhancing the welfare of seafarers, has secured a grant from the International Transport Workers’ Federation UK (ITF-UK) to establish a Seafarers Recreation Center. 

The grant, approved in collaboration with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), aims to provide a dedicated space for seafarers’ relaxation and social interaction.

The announcement came during a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, held in Lagos over the weekend, where the Head of ITF Seafarers Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, commended the commitment of MWUN and NIMASA towards the well-being of seafarers.

Higginbottom expressed confidence in the partnership, emphasising the importance of the project not only for Nigerian seafarers but also for those across the West African region and beyond.

According to her, the approval process for the grant endured rigorous assessment over three years, demonstrating ITF-UK’s confidence in investing in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

She hailed the partnership between MWUN and NIMASA as instrumental in facilitating the approval and subsequent commencement of the project.

“The center will serve not only Nigerian seafarers but also others in the West African region and beyond. We have absolute faith and trust in the  Comrade Adeyanju led MWUN and we are very pleased with Dr Jamoh and his team at NIMASA for their enthusiasm towards Seafarers welfare. 

“MWUN has built up their credibility within the ITF family and we are pleased to partner them and NIMASA on this project. The grant approval process endured three years of rigorous assessment and we are satisfied that it is safe to invest in the Nigerian maritime industry. Our visit to Nigeria is for site inspection so the project can commence,” said Higginbottom.

Acknowledging the significance of the grant, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, assured the ITF-UK of judicious utilisation of the funds. 

Oyetola underscored the vital role of seafarers in the maritime industry and pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion.

“Seafarers are the real drivers of the maritime industry. They sacrifice a lot for human existence, spending most of their time away from family and onboard vessels. So creating this opportunity for social interaction is encouraging and commendable. I commend your decision to personally come to Nigeria and see things for yourself. 

“It shows that you are committed to the project. To ensure judicious use of your grant, I want to assure you that the Nigerian government will ensure the project is completed in record time.The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, established a standalone Ministry for the maritime industry shows Nigeria’s commitment to make the country a major maritime nation. 

“I want to assure you that the grant will be put to use as expected. The Federal Government through our Ministry will closely monitor the project. I commend the DG NIMASA, Dr Jamoh and the MWUN President General Comrade Adeyanju for their vision and effort,” Oyetola assured.

In reaffirming NIMASA’s dedication to seafarers’ welfare, the Director-General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, emphasised the agency’s readiness to fulfill its obligations towards the project. Dr. Jamoh highlighted the center’s potential to improve the mental health and social integration of seafarers, thus enhancing their overall well-being.

“We at NIMASA welcome this project wholeheartedly. We consider this project a major infrastructural capital development for seafarers welfare, hence we keyed into it. It will go a long way in improving the mental health of seafarers and assist their social integration having spent much of their time out there on the Seas. 

“I am pleased that our challenge to MWUN some years ago is bearing positive fruits. This is a result of the constant engagement sessions we always have with Comrade Adeyanju, who believes in dialogue. Since our Minister has sanctioned this project, I can assure you that NIMASA will meet its obligations,” said Jamoh.

The President General of MWUN, Comrade Adeyanju, stressed the union’s determination to enhance the lives of seafarers, citing the collaboration with ITF-UK as a step towards achieving this goal. He expressed gratitude to NIMASA for its support and commitment to the project.

The establishment of the Seafarers Recreation Center is expected to provide a much-needed space for seafarers to unwind and connect with others during their time ashore. 

Once completed, the center will serve as a hub for both local and regional seafarers, offering a welcoming environment for relaxation and camaraderie.

The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of seafarers and strengthening its maritime industry infrastructure. 

With the support of ITF-UK, MWUN, and NIMASA, the project is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of seafarers, affirming Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global maritime community.