By Emmanuel Ntekim
Thirty (30) seafaring cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, have been inducted into the Nigeria LNG Limited and Nigeria Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) for a mandatory one-year sea-time training programme.
The induction ceremony, held on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Port Harcourt, marks another milestone for the Academy in its efforts to strengthen practical training and global competitiveness among Nigerian seafarers.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna, described the development as a strategic investment in human capital that effectively links policy formulation to tangible industry outcomes.
She noted that the placement underscores the administration’s commitment to youth development and its broader vision of positioning Nigeria as a credible hub for maritime excellence under the Blue Economy framework.
In his remarks, the Acting Rector of MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, expressed satisfaction with the partnership that facilitated the onboard training opportunities for the 30 cadets.
He explained that the programme aligns with the provisions of the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which sets global benchmarks for maritime education and certification.
Dr. Okonna emphasized that the induction offers the cadets a crucial pathway toward professional certification through onboard training on high-standard vessels operated by an internationally reputed company.
He urged the cadets to uphold the Academy’s core values of discipline, resilience, integrity, and hard work as they begin their professional careers.
The Rector further stated that the induction contributes to addressing the global shortage of qualified seafaring officers.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Oyetola for the development of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which encourages partnerships aimed at expanding onboard training opportunities for cadets.
He also thanked the Chairman of the Governing Council of MAN, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, Governing Council Members members of Academy’s Management and Staff for their continued support, while commending NSML for its collaboration in ensuring the successful induction of the cadets.
From the industry perspective, the Managing Director of NSML, Mr. Ahmed Abdulkadir, described the programme as a deliberate, long-term investment in human capital, which he identified as the most critical asset in maritime operations.
He disclosed that in December 2025, NSML signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAN to provide structured training for cadets through its Maritime Centre of Excellence, a development that culminated in the induction ceremony.
Ahmed noted that NSML has established itself as a leading provider of maritime and shipping services within Nigeria and across the region, with a strong track record in developing globally competitive seafarers.
He explained that the Maritime Centre of Excellence was founded on the vision of building a premier maritime training institution capable of delivering world-class programmes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the maritime workforce.
