Nigerian seafarers are calling for urgent reforms in the country’s maritime sector, highlighting ongoing issues such as harassment, poor welfare, and insufficient support systems aboard vessels. These concerns were raised during the 2025 Day of the Seafarers event in Lagos, organized by the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria and the Mission to Seafarers.
In his keynote address, Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara, Managing Partner of the Maritime and Commercial Law Chambers, emphasized the need for concrete enforcement of anti-harassment measures and risk assessments on Nigerian-flagged ships. He noted that unchecked shipboard abuse negatively impacts not only seafarers’ mental health but also operational efficiency and safety at sea. A toxic onboard environment can weaken team cohesion and ultimately harm both seafarers and the national economy.
Funmi Folorunso, Secretary General of the African Shipowners’ Association, praised the resilience of Nigerian seafarers, particularly women, while stressing that meaningful change requires both legal reforms and institutional commitment to enforcement. Alalade Matthew, a class surveyor, discussed the challenges faced by female seafarers, acknowledging progress but calling for mutual respect onboard.
Rev. Francis Aduroja, Chaplain of the Mission to Seafarers, highlighted the importance of unity within the maritime community and urged industry leaders to create safe platforms for seafarers to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
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