NIGER DELTA GROUP SEEKS RESOLUTION FOR STRANDED MARITIME CADETS

A coalition of Niger Delta civil society organisations has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged challenges facing maritime cadets sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme.

The group alleged that some beneficiaries who were sponsored to study Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation in the Philippines between 2012 and 2014 are yet to complete outstanding examinations and obtain their professional Certificates of Competency.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Augustine Okporu, and National Secretary, Awipi Lawson, the coalition said the affected cadets had received several assurances from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency that arrangements would be made for them to complete their training.

The group said further assurances were given in 2024 and 2025, including during a verification exercise in Lagos, but alleged that the cadets were informed in January 2026 that funding was insufficient.

The coalition expressed concern that some older beneficiaries remained unable to complete the programme while newer NSDP participants were reportedly being considered for overseas training.

It urged the Federal Government and NIMASA to investigate the situation, complete the affected cadets’ training and facilitate the issuance of their professional certificates.