Expert Tasks FG On Seafarers’ Efficiency

A Maritime expert, Mr Ibukun Akinsoji, has advised the Federal Government to ensure that locally trained seafarers measure up to international standard.

Akinsoji, former Sole Administrator, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent.

He said the training should follow internationally prescribed procedures and practices.

Akinsoji, also a marine engineer, said that Federal Government should comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s code on training.

He also urged the Federal Government to update the maritime laws to give effect to the IMO mandatory instrument on training.

“Our laws are not up to date; you cannot expect other nations to recognise Nigerian certificates if laws, which are the gateway to recognition, are not up to date.

“The Nigerian Government also needs to conform with the International Convention on Standard of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping including all its amendments, resolutions and recommendations relevant to training,” Akinsoji said.

He also advised the Federal Government to recognise the certificates being issued to Nigerian seafarers by maritime institutions in other countries.

Akinsoji said that certification procedures by the government should be transparent.

“Institutions must have correct syllabi and these can only be done by the government which is supposed to control, approve, review and monitor them,” he said.