The apex regulatory body of the maritime sector, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has begun a week-long training of inspectors in line with the provisions of the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) to ensure a uniform implementation of Flag State Inspection together with compliance at Port State levels.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training programme, the Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolekemi, said the MLC 2006 was a product of the fusing of over 65 instruments into one instrument which therefore imposes the challenge of understanding the complexity of the fundamental and social rights as they apply to seafarers in a globalised shipping sector.
Akpobolokemi stressed that the programme is aimed at adequately preparing officers who will eventually carry out onboard Port and Flag State inspections and to submit reports to MLS Department for certification and mandatory ILO report submissions.
Adding that the training will ensure that staff of the relevant departments who need the basic knowledge and understanding of the convention to successfully carry out their duties are adequately equipped.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Capt. Ezekiel Bala Agaba, said the officers were being trained to be able to perform their work efficiently and professionally in line with international standards.
He said this was necessary in order not to embarrass the nation if they do the wrong things while onboard a foreign flagged vessel.