By Philip Nwosu
Maritime stakeholders, including master mariners and marine engineers, converged recently on Apapa, Lagos, to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria’s maritime sector, with a focus on safety, seafarer welfare, and workforce development.
The gathering marked the official unveiling of The Waterside Centre at the Mission to Seafarers, a maritime knowledge and mentorship hub initiated by veteran maritime journalist and publisher of One Page Africa, Dr. Hope Orivri.
Chaired by former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, the forum also served as a symposium in honour of late maritime stalwart, Chief Chris Asoluka. In his remarks, Iheanacho, who is also Chairman of the Waterside Centre, emphasized the urgent need for robust safety protocols aboard vessels.
“Implementing strong safety frameworks, including routine risk assessments, drills, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and effective fatigue management policies, is non-negotiable for maritime operations.”
He advocated for comprehensive crew welfare programs that guarantee seafarers adequate rest, access to healthcare, and a supportive work environment. “We must establish a safety-first culture onboard vessels through inspections, reporting systems, and safety committees,” Iheanacho added.
In a keynote address titled: “Training and development – Investing in maritime workforce development to bridge the skills gap in the face of emerging technologies,” Richard Owolabi, head of technical at the Abuja MoU (Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region), stressed the role of modern training methods in improving maritime performance.
He highlighted strategies such as competency-based training, simulation-based learning using virtual and augmented reality, and hybrid models incorporating e-learning. Owolabi urged stakeholders to support maritime academies and foster public-private partnerships.
“Technological advancement in the maritime industry cannot succeed without investment in human capital. The workforce of tomorrow must be agile, skilled, and adaptable,” he said.
Dr. Orivri described the Waterside Centre as a community hub designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing in maritime space.
“The goal is to create a space where industry professionals, young seafarers, and coastal community residents can interact, learn from each other, and develop professionally.” According to her, the centre also aims to preserve indigenous maritime knowledge and equip youths with a better understanding of the marine and blue economy.
President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, lauded the initiative as a “vision fulfilled” and likened it to the renowned Aviation Industry Roundtable.
Notable attendees included former NAMM Presidents Capt. Ade Olopoenia and Capt. Adewale Ishola; Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu of the NPCC Committee on Port Operations and Logistics; Engr. Kato Abuja, Secretary of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES); Engr. Akeem Oderinde; and Engr. John Oguntokun.
The event marked a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry through community engagement, safety awareness, and targeted capacity building.
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