NIMASA DG Applauds New NSDP Graduates,Urges Unwavering Professionalism at Sea
NIMASA DG Applauds New NSDP Graduates,Urges Unwavering Professionalism at Sea
· As 34 NSDP Beneficiaries Obtain CoC
By Success Okezie
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed profound admiration for the latest cohort of Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP, beneficiaries who recently earned their Certificates of Competency, CoC. He described the newly qualified officers as exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria on the international maritime stage, highlighting their discipline, integrity, and professionalism as qualities that distinguish them among global seafarers.
The commendation came during a courtesy and appreciation visit by the newly certified officers to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos. Addressing them, Dr. Mobereola applauded the resilience and sheer determination they demonstrated in the face of prolonged uncertainty, noting that their journey to certification was neither short nor easy.
Reflecting on their experience, the DG remarked that adversity often presents two paths: one of discouragement and another of growth. “You chose growth,” he told them. “You have weathered the storm, and because of that, the road ahead will be smoother. We are proud of you.”
He went further to charge the officers to uphold the highest standards of discipline and excellence as they step into the global shipping arena. Beyond personal success, he urged them to embrace a leadership role by mentoring the next generation of cadets entering the maritime sector. Dr. Mobereola stressed that Nigeria’s maritime industry urgently needs their skill set and reaffirmed his conviction that Nigerian seafarers have the competence to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world, provided they remain consistent, professional, and values-driven.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Edet Uttibe Michael conveyed heartfelt gratitude to NIMASA’s management for finally resolving challenges that had lingered for years. He recalled that after completing their academic training at maritime institutions in Romania, the group endured an eight-year wait for sea-time berths and the subsequent certification process, a delay that had threatened to derail their careers.
In his remarks, he credited the current leadership at NIMASA with restoring the group’s confidence and making their long-held career goals achievable after years of setback. He portrayed the Director General as a visionary and empathetic leader who acted decisively to clear a hurdle that had existed well before he assumed office.
“We are here to say a sincere thank you for your generosity,” Edet said. “You renewed our hope and helped our dreams become reality.”
To tackle the recurring sea-time and Certificate of Competency difficulties faced by NSDP beneficiaries, NIMASA Management recently rolled out targeted interventions aimed at lasting resolution. The renewed push began in 2024 with the deployment of 40 cadets in the first cohort to Tyne Coast College, South Shields Marine School, in the United Kingdom. That step represented a major breakthrough after years of delay, and 34 of the 40 cadets successfully completed the programme.
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