Business
MAN, NNPC, Others Partner To Train Seafarers
Another milestone was recently reached in the administration of the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron when the management of the academy signed an agreement with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and other major oil exploration firms in the country for the training of sea farers from the Niger Delta states.
The flag-off ceremony of the training, which was held in the cadets smoke room of the academy at the weekend also had as key co-signatories to the joint venture agreement of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Oando limited.
Expressing appreciation to the joint venture partners on behalf of the management staff, cadets and students of MAN, the Acting Rector, Dr. Mkpamdiok Mkpamdiok said it was gladdening to see a dream become a reality.
Speaking further on the importance of the joint partnership in the training of cadet, Dr. Mpamdiok said that the core mandate of the academy remains the development of manpower for the Nigeria maritime industries and allied industries of which NAOC, Oando and indeed the NNPC are cardinal members. Inspite of this important mandate, the Acting Rector, however, regretted that the institution has over the years been denied basic instruments and professional training for efficiency and competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
Such, according to him include lack of national fleet, poor policy, lack of training berths and training ship for the academy. Other deficiencies experienced by the academy also include survival training tools, poorly equipped e-library and simulators.
He, however, expressed the hope that in view of the significance of the partnership, there is a compelling need to raise the bar in the quality of service rendered to end-users. “We strongly need a better position to continue to provide that quality of maritime training and education that can compete favourably on the global maritime landscape,” Mkpamdiok said.
Speaking on behalf of Oando Ltd, Mr. Massimo Insulla, who represented the company Managing Director, disclosed that, Oando has always been an active partner and contributor to the manpower development of youth from the host communities in particular and the Nigeria maritime sector in general, as well as critical stakes in the Nigerian power sector .
He highlighted that, apart from the over 280 youths from the Niger Delta host communities currently engaged in diverse training programmes, other components of the ENI marine capacity development initiative include construction of a marine laboratory, (comprising 3 workshops, simulation rooms, meeting rooms and office) in 2016, and practical sea-time training programme, that was inaugurated in early 2017. On the essence of the joint partnership with MAN, Insulla stated that, the “event is extremely important as it is the first in the history of capacity building programmes sponsored by the joint venture.”
He, therefore, reiterated the company’s commitment to its success.
While the representative of the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Tonye Thom-Mannuel said that, she was delighted for the joint venture initiative of the oil companies towards addressing some critical needs in the maritime sector, especially as they affect training of youths from the host communities.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
“Payment of tuition fees for undergraduate/postgraduate studies shall be subject to a maximum limit of $25,000.00 per semester,” the Manual states.
The expansion of international card limits also reflects growing confidence among lenders that foreign exchange liquidity has improved enough to support retail dollar transactions.
Speaking recently at the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum in Lagos, CBN Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN said buying and selling activities now increasingly determine outcomes in the foreign exchange market, unlike in the past when market participants relied heavily on routine Central Bank interventions.
According to Cardoso, Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves have risen from just over $3 billion at the start of the reform programme to more than $40 billion, while gross reserves have climbed to about $52 billion, providing stronger confidence for investors and enabling the Central Bank to reserve interventions for periods of market stress rather than day-to-day liquidity management.
The restoration and expansion of international naira card spending limits are increasingly being seen as one of the clearest signs that the benefits of the CBN’s foreign exchange reforms are beginning to reach households, students and businesses making legitimate cross-border payments.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, WEC, Dr Angela Wilkinson, disclosed this in a statement, last Thursday.
“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking.
“It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,” she said.
Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would play a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled for Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.
The statement also quoted the Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Isa, as describing the country’s participation as an opportunity to deepen national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions tailored to regional development priorities.
He said the platform would promote collaboration across sectors and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Wunti, was quoted in the statement as saying that the council would connect leadership, evidence and investment to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
“This system will be capable of driving economic growth and shared prosperity.”
According to him, the platform will also connect Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.
Recall that WEC, founded in 1923, is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.