In keeping with global maritime best practice requirements for Seafarers, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday commissioned the Mission to Seafarers Centre reconstructed by the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Speaking at the event, the Minister commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Management’s prompt intervention in rehabilitating the Seafarers Centre, which, as recently as March 2023, was in a decrepit state but has now been reconstructed to regional best-in-class status by the Authority.
Speaking during the event, NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Belo Koko said, “The decision to urgently reconstruct and fully equip this facility to acceptable global standards derives from our persuasion at the Nigerian Ports Authority that Shore Leave for seafarers, which this facility affords, is a necessity and not a luxury. It is essential for this special category of men and women who spend weeks on end holed up with only workmates for the company to get on shore to interact and access the internet to contact family, seek welfare, secure medical or psychological support if needed, and have a break from the work environment”.
The event had in attendance the Consular-General of the United States, the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, the Indian High Commission, and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, who all commended Nigeria for this milestone achievement.
The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.89 million crewmen and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
