The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to urgently address the prolonged delay affecting Nigerian cadets sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). In an open letter to NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the IYC urged him to intervene and resolve the matter. The NSDP aims to develop young Nigerians into professionally qualified seafarers for the Nigerian and global maritime industry.
The IYC expressed concern that some NSDP beneficiaries have been unable to complete their professional requirements over a decade after starting their training. Information obtained by the council indicates that over 100 affected cadets have completed substantial parts of their academic and sea-time requirements but are still in Nigeria awaiting deployment to the Philippines for outstanding Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations and related requirements.
The council stated that the affected young Nigerians have invested years preparing for careers at sea and should not be left indefinitely waiting for administrative approvals, funding, travel arrangements, and other processes required to complete their certification. IYC also raised concerns over outstanding examination requirements, deployment arrangements, funding, visa processing, and travel logistics.
The IYC pointed to previous engagements and verification exercises, including arrangements made in 2022 and a further verification exercise in 2025. Of particular concern is the reported situation where some cadets were directed to renew their international passports in preparation for deployment but were subsequently not deployed.
The council said the circumstances surrounding the issues require clear answers from NIMASA. They demanded to know the status of approved funds for the completion of the programme and the steps being taken to deploy the affected beneficiaries for their intended purpose.
The IYC called on NIMASA to conclude all outstanding academic, examination, training, and CoC requirements of eligible affected cadets. They also demanded the release of approved funds for examinations, deployment, travel, accommodation, visa processing, and other legitimate programme requirements. A definite deployment timetable is required instead of further indefinite assurances.
The council also requested a comprehensive status report showing what remains outstanding for each affected cadet. The IYC emphasized that these are not merely administrative matters, but directly affect the careers and livelihoods of the affected young Nigerians.
Key points
- IYC demands NIMASA action over delayed Nigerian cadets in NSDP programme
- Over 100 affected cadets have completed substantial parts of their academic and sea-time requirements
- IYC requests comprehensive status report on outstanding requirements for each affected cadet
