The International Transport Workers’ Federation UK (ITF-UK) said it has approved a grant to the Nigerian Maritime Industry through the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN) for the construction of a Seafarers Recreation Centre in Lagos State.
The Head, ITF Seafarers Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, revealed this during a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh; President General, MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju amongst others in Lagos State over the weekend.
The International Transport Workers Federation UK which has the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN as one of her affiliates, and in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) approved a grant to partly fund the building of a Seafarers Recreation Center in Nigeria. When completed, the Seafarers Recreational Center will serve as a rallying point for in-country and Regional Seafarers and those onboard vessels during port calls, who desire to disembark and savor the warmth of Nigerians.
According to the statement by Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, on Sunda, Higginbottom said the grant was approved after a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s suitability. She also emphasized the the centre after construction will serve Nigerian seafarers and other seafarers in the West African region and beyond.
Commending MWUN and NIMASA for enthusiasm towards Seafarers welfare, Higginbottom expressed ITF’s absolute faith and trust in Comrade Adeyanju and in DG of NIMASA led administration.
She said, “MWUN has built up their credibility within the ITF family and we are pleased to partner them and NIMASA on this project. The grant approval process endured three years of rigorous assessment and we are satisfied that it is safe to invest in the Nigerian maritime industry. Our visit to Nigeria is for site inspection so the project can commence”.
Responding, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commended ITF for trusting Nigeria with Direct Foreign Fund Investment in the country with an assurance that it will be judiciously utilized and the Ministry will ensure that NIMASA fulfils her own obligations to the project.
He clarified, “Seafarers are the real drivers of the maritime industry. They sacrifice a lot for human existence, spending most of their time away from family and onboard vessels. So creating this opportunity for social interaction is encouraging and commendable.
“I commend your decision to personally come to Nigeria and see things for yourself. It shows that you are committed to the project. To ensure judicious use of your grant, I want to assure you that the Nigerian government will ensure the project is completed in record time.
“The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, established a standalone Ministry for the maritime industry shows Nigeria’s commitment to make the country a major maritime nation. I want to assure you that the grant will be put to use as expected.
” The Federal Government through our Ministry will closely monitor the project. I commend the DG NIMASA, Dr Jamoh and the MWUN President General Comrade Adeyanju for their vision and effort”.
Ealier, the DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, restated the Agency commitment under the supervision of the Ministry, to continuously invest in the well-being of Seafarers.
“We at NIMASA welcome this project wholeheartedly. We consider this project a major infrastructural capital development for seafarers welfare, hence we keyed into it. It will go a long way in improving the mental health of seafarers and assist their social integration having spent much of their time out there on the Seas.
“I am pleased that our challenge to MWUN some years ago is bearing positive fruits. This is a result of the constant engagement sessions we always have with Comrade Adeyanju, who believes in dialogue. Since our Minister has sanctioned this project, I can assure you that NIMASA will meet its obligations”, said DG NIMASA.
In his remarks, President General of MWUN Comrade Adeyanju noted that the quest to better the lot of Seafarers informed their decision to seek funding from the United Kingdom based ITF. He disclosed that his discussion with the DG NIMASA inspired the Union into taking a decisive step towards seafarers welfare.
“We took up the challenge, but considering the current financial situation in the country, we sought a grant from ITF. We are very happy with NIMASA for all they have been doing”, he said.
Source- Independent Newspaper.