Philippines-Trained Nigerian Cadets Appeal to NIMASA Boss Over Delayed Certification Payments, Say Their Maritime Careers Are in Limbo.
A group of Nigerian cadets trained in the Philippines under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) have made a heartfelt public appeal to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, over the prolonged delay in the approval and payment of their Certificates of Competency (CoC).
In an open letter shared on NIMASA’s official social media channels, the cadets expressed deep frustration, describing the delay as an “indefinite pause” in their professional journey despite fulfilling all required training and documentation.
While their peers trained in other countries have reportedly received their payments and progressed in their careers, the Philippines-trained cadets said they have been unfairly left behind without any official explanation or communication.
“Our journey has been one of sacrifice, commitment, and hope. Yet, we are now burdened by a delay that is not only demoralizing but deeply damaging to our futures,” they wrote.
The cadets emphasized that their dreams are being shattered by bureaucratic inertia. They said they have done their part completed training, presented documentation and now await what should be a routine administrative process.
“This delay doesn’t just threaten our careers. It erodes our morale and faith in the promises made to us as ambassadors of this country,” the letter added.
Calling themselves “sons of Nigeria,” the cadets pleaded with the NIMASA DG to personally intervene. “We are not asking for charity, only for the chance to fulfill the purpose for which we were trained.”
The cadets urged Dr. Mobereola to approve the CoC payments, restore their dignity, and reignite their hope to serve Nigeria in the global maritime industry.
The NSDP, launched in 2008 to tackle the shortage of skilled Nigerian seafarers, has faced repeated challenges including delayed seatime placements, certification bottlenecks, and funding issues. Sadly, as of the time of this report, NIMASA has yet to respond to the cadets’ emotional appeal.
