NIMASA To Visit Philippines Over Cadet Trainees Protest

Says Matter Predates Administration

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed regret and disappointment at the recent protest in the Philippines by Nigerian students studying in that country under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme  (NSDP) 2013 set , even as the Agency said a delegation is due to go to there for fact finding mission and resolution of whatever challenges there may be.

A statement by the Agency Assistant Director, Public Relations Department, Edward Osagie said it has obtained ministerial approval for the said journey, which delegation would be led by the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Engr. Victor Ochei.

The statement reads: “We wish to let the public know that we are monitoring the unfortunate development in the Philippines involving NIMASA NSDP 2013 cadets, as seen in a recent online video. And to assure Nigerians that NIMASA has received Ministerial approval for an assessment visit this October to ascertain, first-hand, the issues to fully and finally address them.

“Our Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Engr. Victor Ochei, will lead the fact-finding mission to the Philippines to engage with the school and the cadets. As responsible management, we must deal with this from an informed position, as the matter far predates this administration.

“While we regret the embarrassment this may have caused all concerned; we urge caution and avoidance of any speculative reporting until the official outcome of the on-the-spot evaluation to the Philippines is submitted.”