1st July, 2011
It was a show of shame as the seafarers, in rowdy sessions, expressed their grievances over the performance of the Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency (NIMASA). They also expressed misgiving over the Federal Government’s nonchallant altitude and illegal acceptance of foreigners to trade in our waters without employing Nigerians in their ships.
The gathering organised by NIMASA to say thank you to the seafarers turned out to be a show of shame as the seafarer claimed that they have nothing to celebrate. Though the event was to be celebrated on 25 June worldwide, they said it was not of any importance to them.
The acting Director General of Indigenous Shipowners Association (ISAN), Mr. Adetona pleaded on behalf of the seafarer with the Federal Government to revisit the laws on shipping in Nigeria in order to address the nagging issues, saying that it is unfair for foreigners to make so much from Nigeria while the citizens ships are lying idle.
A foremost seafarer, Engr. Jossiah Wasa, during his address to the seafarer, also expressed disappointment over the present plight of seafarers in Nigeria. According to him, the standard has really fallen and government has lost focus.
He said, “Establishing new maritime school is like seeking to cure headache with drugs meant for stomach ache which it will not work.â€
He also noted what seems not clear to him is the attitude of the FG in being so comfortable with foreigners trading in our waters, a system which he said is illegal in other countries.
The public relation officer of NIMASA Mr. Osagie advised the people at the gathering to send a thank you message to the through facebook .twitter and every other means but the seamen said it is of no use as they have not seen any improvement even from NIMASA.The situation was liken to the adage in pidgin language “you know me you dey do meâ€