The Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr. Pius Akutah, has announced plans to introduce an Award of Honesty for three cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, annually. This initiative aims to promote integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism among future maritime practitioners. Akutah made the announcement during the Academy's 2026 Cadets' Graduation Ceremony, where he congratulated the graduating cadets on completing their academic training.
Akutah described graduation as the beginning of a new phase of professional development, offering opportunities for career advancement, practical experience, and meaningful contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry. He encouraged the graduates to approach their careers with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning as they transition from academic training into professional practice. Professional competence must be complemented by integrity and responsible conduct to build a credible maritime industry and sustain public confidence in the sector.
The proposed Award of Honesty would promote a culture of integrity among young maritime professionals and reinforce the ethical values required for responsible leadership and professional excellence. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the maritime sector, which is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening maritime education, professional certification, and sea-time training.
Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, called for stronger collaboration between maritime training institutions and industry operators to prepare graduates for the demands of the maritime industry. He emphasized the importance of equipping maritime graduates with the requisite professional qualifications, practical experience, and industry-relevant skills to enhance their employability and effective participation in the sector.
The ceremony also featured the formal launch of the Academy's Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), an initiative designed to improve administrative efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the institution's operations. The Academy graduated 314 cadets from its National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes. This development is expected to enhance the institution's capacity to produce highly skilled maritime professionals.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy highlighted the need for closer collaboration between maritime training institutions and industry operators to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice. This would strengthen the capacity of Nigeria's maritime workforce and contribute to the growth of the sector. The graduating cadets have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the industry.
The introduction of the Award of Honesty and the launch of the ECMS are significant developments in the maritime sector. These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of NPERA and the Federal Government to promoting professionalism, integrity, and efficiency in the sector. The graduating cadets are expected to play a crucial role in driving growth and development in Nigeria's maritime industry.
Key points
- NPERA introduces Award of Honesty to promote integrity among Maritime Academy cadets
- Federal Government reaffirms commitment to strengthening maritime education and professional certification
- Maritime Academy launches Enterprise Content Management System to enhance administrative efficiency
