ITF Grants Approval to Nigeria for Seafarers Recreational Centre

The International Transport Workers’ Federation UK has approved a grant to Nigeria through the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, to build a Seafarers Recreation Centre in partnership with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. The grant was announced during a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola in Lagos. The Head of the ITF Seafarers Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, commended MWUN and NIMASA for their commitment to Seafarers’ wellbeing and stated that the center will benefit not only Nigerian seafarers but also others in the West African region and beyond.

The grant approval process took three years of rigorous assessment, and the ITF has expressed confidence in investing in the Nigerian maritime industry. The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, assured that the grant would be judiciously utilized, and the Ministry would ensure NIMASA fulfills its obligations to the project. He emphasized the importance of supporting seafarers who sacrifice a lot for human existence and spend most of their time away from family onboard vessels.

The President General of MWUN, Comrade Adeyanju, highlighted the importance of seeking funding from the ITF to improve the welfare of seafarers. The Seafarers Recreational Center, when completed, will serve as a gathering place for in-country and regional seafarers, providing them with opportunities for social interaction and mental health support. The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to investing in the well-being of seafarers and ensuring the success of the project.

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