Challenges Facing Nigeria Maritime Cadets in Achieving Global Certification A Discussion with NSML Managing Director

Challenges Facing Nigeria Maritime Cadets in Achieving Global Certification A Discussion with NSML Managing Director

In this interview with ANOZIE EGOLE, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), discusses the challenges surrounding the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program and other related issues.

Reflecting on 2024, you mentioned it was a successful year for NSML. Can you elaborate?

Absolutely, 2024 has been our most successful year, both in terms of profitability and operations. However, our greatest achievement lies in our safety performance. While profitability is certainly important, we consider it secondary to our primary mission: to operate a safe business, manage our assets effectively, and create value. This value extends beyond financial aspects; it encompasses the quality of service we provide to our customers and stakeholders. Therefore, while we had financial success, our operational and safety achievements are what we cherish most.…READ MORE…

What progress has been made toward your Nigerianisation policy?

We established our Nigerianisation objectives many years ago, rooted in our commitment to creating opportunities for Nigerian seafarers within the Liquefied Natural Gas sector. We aim for 85% of our vessel crews to be Nigerian across all levels, while also welcoming a diversity of cultures and ideas to foster international standards. Currently, we have achieved this target of 85% Nigerian crew members, supported by a mix of international staff from countries such as Poland, Ukraine, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This diverse crew functions as one cohesive team, and we are proud to have expanded our fleet, recently adding an advanced LNG vessel, Axios, to our management. This growth means more opportunities for Nigerians to work on state-of-the-art vessels, and we are thrilled with our progress towards our Nigerianisation goals.

Can you provide details about your cadetship program?

NSML collaborates with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to support the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program. A key component of the certification process requires cadets to gain sea time aboard operational vessels. We have been consistent in providing this essential sea time, with nearly 300 cadets having sailed on our vessels. This exposure is crucial for enhancing the Nigerian maritime sector. As one of the few companies operating ocean-going vessels in Nigeria, we are committed to offering premier training. Our cadet program also serves as a recruitment pipeline, with approximately 100 of our trained cadets transitioning into roles within NSML. Additionally, we have facilitated opportunities for Romanian cadets, who initially faced certification challenges, helping approximately 65 of them gain necessary sea time before pursuing further certification in the UK.

What is your partnership like with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron?

Our collaboration with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, began in 2014, when we assessed their curriculum and helped enhance their facilities. Many of our current executives are alumni of this institution, including Nigeria’s first LNG captain. We continue to foster this relationship by hosting cadets from the academy for industrial training, with around 20 students currently participating. However, the overarching issue remains the lack of international recognition for NIMASA-accredited certificates, which presents challenges for graduates seeking to work on international vessels. While the quality of education is solid, there are organizational hurdles that need addressing to ensure that certifications are globally recognized. We are actively working with NIMASA to improve their accreditation processes, assuring international standards are met.

Given the certification challenges, is it accurate to say that you can independently train and certify cadets?

While we provide essential training, the Maritime Academy serves as the primary institution for maritime education and certification. Our Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) is designed to offer advanced maritime training and certification. We view ourselves as complementary to the Maritime Academy rather than competitive. MCOE focuses on offering specialized courses and seeks accreditation from the UK Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA), recognized as a global benchmark for maritime certification. In 2023, we are dedicated to upgrading MCOE in terms of facilities and resources, aiming for comprehensive accreditation by the MCA. This initiative will allow seafarers to obtain respected certifications without needing to travel abroad. Therefore, while the MCOE supplements basic training by offering advanced certifications, it does not issue Certificates of Competency (COC); those need to be obtained through recognized institutions.

In summary, we are committed to enhancing the maritime training landscape in Nigeria, ensuring that local cadets receive high-quality training opportunities right here in Nigeria.