In line with its robust indigenous human capital development initiatives, the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited NSML, has decided to take 43 Nigerian Cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, onboard its 13 ocean going vessels for the mandatory sea-time training. The training is a mandatory requirement for the award of Certificate of Competency CoC as provided by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers STCW, 1978.

The company made this disclosure at the induction programme organised in honour of 30 the cadets in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Recall that the NSML had also on December 19, 2025, inducted 13 Cadets of the Academy for the sea time training onboard its vessels, bringing to a total of 43 in the last two months.

From left: Managing Director/CEO, NSML, Abdul-Kadir Ahmed, representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the Director of Press of the Minister, Anastasia Ogbonna, the acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna and the newly inducted Cadets in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

Speaking during the induction for the 30 Cadets, Managing Director/CEO, NSML, Abdul-Kadir Ahmed, disclosed that the human capital element remains the most critical element in maritime operations.

He said: “In December 2025, NSML signed a strategic agreement with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron to provide structured training for cadets through our Maritime Centre of Excellence. That decision was not accidental.

“It was a deliberate investment in people, the most critical element in maritime operations, and today we are witnessing the first fruits of that commitment. This induction is another strong testament to NSML’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, capacity development, and industry leadership.

“Over the years, NSML has built a reputation as a leading provider of maritime and shipping services, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent. Our track record of developing competent and globally competitive seafarers is well established, and it continues to stand us in good stead in the industry.

“The establishment of the Maritime Centre of Excellence was anchored on a simple but powerful vision: to build a premier maritime training institution that delivers world-class programs, produces capable professionals, and supports the long-term sustainability of the maritime workforce. Through MCOE, NSML has continued to raise the bar, offering specialised courses, simulator-based training, and professional development pathways that match international best practices.

“This partnership with MAN strengthens that aspiration. It brings together two institutions that share a common philosophy: that the future of the maritime sector depends on how well we train, mentor, and empower young Nigerians. It also reflects the progressive thinking of both organisations, to invest consistently in human capital development, to strengthen local capacity, and to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

“For us in NSML, this initiative aligns squarely with our purpose and our organizational values of developing qualified, competent, and safety-conscious survivors. This is not just an activity; it is part of our DNA. It is who we are, it is why we exist.

“To our cadets, today marks the beginning of a transformative journey in the maritime profession. The maritime profession demands discipline, resilience, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

“You are stepping into a career that will test you, shape you, but ultimately reward you. NSML and MAN Oron are giving you a solid foundation. But guess what? Your attitude, effort, and character will determine how far you go.

“I encourage you to remain focused, uphold the highest ethical standards, but most importantly embrace the opportunity before you. Ultimately, the ball is in your hands and it’s what you make of it. One thing you can be rest assured is that we will give you the best possible opportunity to excel in this sector, not just locally, but globally.”

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Director of Press of the Minister, Anastasia Ogbonna, commended synergy between the NSML and MAN, Oron.

“I take this opportunity to appeal to other ship owners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to please borrow a leaf from what we are witnessing today.

“If you have the opportunity, please train more cadets. The more cadets we have, the more it will be possible for us to have our own people navigating the over 800 kilometers of coastlines.

“If we have these capable hands driving our coastal waters, what else can we want? It will promote ecotourism. It will promote business. It will make it easy to travel by water.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this initiative will not only strengthen indigenous manpower capacity but will supply globally competitive seafarers from Nigeria” the Minister said,

Meanwhile, acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, noted that the 30 Cadets will join the 13 other cadets from the institution, who were inducted earlier for the sea time training on board the NSML vessels.

“I join the MD/CEO of the NSML to welcome you all to this milestone event that defines the capacity of the Academy for an all-inclusive seafarers training in Nigeria.

“I am honest to tell you that today is one of my happiest days as the acting Rector of the Academy. This is the day the Academy and the NLNG Shipping have, through the execution of the Partnership Agreement signed on 19th December, 2025, re-established the special relationship that has existed between both organisations over the years and led to the supply of excellent seafaring officers and ratings for global shipping.

“Our partnership has again ensured the realisation of the dreams of another set of 30 seafaring cadets from the Academy through onboard training opportunities in line with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

“This is in addition to the 13 MAN, Oron cadets earlier inducted for onboard training by the NSML on the 19th December, 2025. “The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been informed through Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative of the incredible contributions of the NSML to seafarers’ training, and the live-streaming link to this event has been shared with the APR.

“It is my understanding that through the MAN Oron-NSML partnership, Nigeria is assuring the global maritime industry that the country has the capacity and is committed to making its contributions to the supply of quality seafarers to the industry.

“As we are all aware, seafarers bear the enormous responsibility of operating the ships in the tough sea environment and carry by sea about 90% of global trade. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of this day, where many of the potential seafarers are given the opportunity to progress toward their certification through onboard training on some of the best ships operated by an international company of very high repute.

“To the cadets being inducted today, I urge you to carry with you to the ship the good qualities that the Academy has inculcated in you, including good conduct, hard work, resilience, humility, leadership, and integrity.

“Remember always that this opportunity is rare and very expensive and that you have signed an undertaking to the Academy to be of good conduct throughout this training and during your professional career.

“The Academy, the NSML, Nigeria, the IMO, and the global shipping industry need you to be successfully certificated as seafaring officers and contribute to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafaring officers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is very important for me to acknowledge here that the Management drew the courage for embarking on this project from the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“The Honourable Minister guided the successful development of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council within two years of his administration in 2025. To achieve capacity building in seafarers’ training in Nigeria, the Policy provides for partnership with stakeholders for the provision of onboard training for the cadets.

“This induction ceremony is the outcome of the Honourable Minister’s policy direction, which promotes partnership with industry stakeholders for onboard training of Nigerian seafaring cadets and supply of globally competitive seafarers.

“We are also very grateful to the Chairman of the Governing Board of MAN, Engr. (Chief) Kehinde Akinola, here represented by Governing Council Member, Hon. Faisal Lawal, and other Council members for their support to the entire management of the Academy”, Dr. Okonna said.