MTS Partners NMLA Against Victimised Members

The Mission to Seafarers (MTS) says it would partner with Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) to protect its members who are victimised on board vessels.
The partnership,  MTS said, would also bail seafarers who may be arrested and victimised in Nigeria over infractions or crimes committed by their ship owners.
Chairman, Management Committee, MTS, Lagos, Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, made this known during the 2022 Annual Sea Sunday Service held at “Our Saviours Church”, TBS, Lagos.
Sarumi  said  the partnership is part of an enhanced effort to demonstrate gratitude to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global trade.
The former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), also said the MTS, Lagos, would significantly improve the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa.
He indicated that MTS’ partnership with NMLA to provide legal representation became imperative now that rising global statistics show that many vessels are getting arrested and seafarers are increasingly detained over crimes or offences by owners of vessels.
Sarumi stressed the need for more stakeholders’ partnership for a vibrant MTS centre, equipped with modern facilities and the requisite personnel to attend to seafarers.
He noted that, “The seafarer is a worker that the world is yet to truly understand.
“These are workers who carry everything imported, that citizens of any nation utilise.
“When we were younger, the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa was a beehive of activities.
“When seafarers come to Lagos ports, we bring them to that Apapa Centre to care for them.
“After spending 6 -10 weeks on the waters, when seafarers come to the shores of a nation that is not their home, it’s only befitting that they have a place where they are cared for psychologically, spiritually and physically.
“There is no better place to go than an establishment set up by a Christian organisation which is what MTS stands for,” Sarumi said.
He encouraged the church and other well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with MTS Lagos to make seafarers that come to the nation’s shores realise that the work they put in is truly appreciated.