Thirty cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron have secured a year-long mandatory sea-time placement with Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML). This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. The cadets were officially inducted into the program, which will provide them with practical training aboard NLNG vessels, a crucial step for their professional certification and competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
Anastasia Ogbonna, representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, highlighted the significance of this initiative in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital. She emphasized that hands-on experience at sea is vital for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of the shipping industry. This placement aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development and aims to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of MAN, noted that this deployment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the strategic vision of the marine and blue economy ministry. He credited the recent National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for facilitating industry partnerships and creating vital sea-time training opportunities for Nigerian cadets.
NSML’s Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed, stated that the induction represents the first milestone of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025, aimed at addressing capacity gaps in the maritime sector. He encouraged the cadets to embody discipline and professionalism as they embark on this transformative journey, underscoring that the sea-time placement is essential for becoming globally competitive maritime professionals.
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