NSML Inducts 30 Maritime Academy Cadets

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML), Friday, formally inducted 30 cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, into its onboard training programme, in a ceremony attended by government representatives and leading maritime stakeholders.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was represented at the event by the Director of Press, Mrs. Anathasia Ogbonna, underscoring the Federal Government’s support for initiatives that advance the nation’s blue economy.

Prominent industry figures including Captain Hamberlain Yusuf, Captain Israel Obadan, Captain Tajudeen Alao, and Governing Council Members including Hon. Sam Isichei joined other stakeholders to witness the milestone event.

NSML Managing Director, Abdukareem Abdul, speaking, announced that 30 cadets had been selected for onboard training on NSML vessels as part of the company’s deliberate policy of investing in people.

“This development brings together two institutions that share the same vision, the same strength, and are aimed at promoting capacity,” Abdul said.

He emphasized that the initiative reflects NSML’s mission of operational safety and urged the cadets to embrace the challenges of sea-time training; assuring the lucky cadets that if they make the best use of the opportunity being offered them, irrespective of the initiative fears, they will excel.

“It is who we are. It is why we exist. It is about operational safety. While the seatime experience will shake you, it will also shape and make you,” he added.

On his part, the Acting Rector of MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, described the induction as a milestone in the Academy’s history, noting that it reaffirms the special relationship between NSML and MAN.

“Through the execution of the MOA signed on 19th December 2025, our partnership has again ensured the realization of the dreams of another set of 30 seafaring cadets through onboard training opportunities in line with the provisions of the STCW Convention,” Okonna said.

He stressed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) had been informed of NSML’s contributions, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to supplying quality seafarers to the global industry.

Dr. Okonna also linked the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Marine and Blue Economy Policy championed by Minister Oyetola, which emphasizes partnerships for seafarer training.

“This induction ceremony is the outcome of the Honourable Minister’s Marine and Blue Economy Policy direction, which promotes partnership with industry stakeholders for onboard training of Nigerian seafaring cadets and supply of globally competitive seafarers,” he said.

The industry implications of the induction is expected to among other things strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to the global supply of certified seafarers, enhance the country’s competitiveness in international maritime trade.

The Ag Rector said the development would also support government-backed strategies for blue economy growth, and provide cadets with exposure to international best practices in shipping.

Speaking further, he noted that the presence of government representatives and industry stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration in building Nigeria’s maritime capacity. This is even as the NSML and MAN reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the partnership to other areas of service, ensuring that Nigeria continues to produce world-class seafarers.

Dr. Okonna concluded by congratulating the cadets, “I urge you to carry with you the good qualities the Academy.”

Principle agreement staffs of both the NSW and MAN present at the induction includes Dr. Elkanem of NSML, Dr. John Adeyanju, Mr. Peter Netson, Engr. Rakesh Roshan Gupta, and all of MAN Oron.