Nigeria accounts for under 2.3 percent of the world’s seafaring workforce, with only about 6,000 registered sailors out of the 1.9 million seafarers globally.
Capt. Rasheed Onakoya of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) revealed the figures during the association’s quarterly lecture, warning that the country will continue to lag behind without deliberate government intervention and stronger policy measures.
Onakoya explained that although the global maritime industry currently has more seafarers than available ships and companies, employment opportunities remain abundant.
He stressed, however, that Nigeria may not benefit from these prospects unless its maritime training institutions are upgraded to international standards.
“The trend is global—even developed nations are affected. But Asian countries are moving quickly to close the gaps.
“The seafaring profession has the potential to tackle unemployment in Nigeria,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the poor welfare conditions faced by many seafarers, citing issues such as delayed or underpaid wages, inadequate medical care, arbitrary dismissals, and other labour violations that undermine their dignity.
To improve the sector, Onakoya called for enhanced maritime education and training, stricter labour policy enforcement, institutional reforms, and the appointment of experienced marine professionals to key positions.
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