Nigeria currently contributes less than 2.3% to the global seafaring workforce, with only about 6,000 sailors registered out of 1.9 million seafarers worldwide, according to Capt. Rasheed Onakoya of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM).

Onakoya made the disclosure during the quarterly lecture of NAMM, emphasizing that deliberate government intervention and policy reforms are crucial to reversing the trend.

“Nigeria currently records less than 2.3 percent of global seafarers, with only 6,000 registered sailors out of the 1.9 million listed worldwide,” Onakoya said.

He noted that globally, there are more seafarers than available ships and shipping companies, creating abundant employment opportunities. However, he warned that Nigeria risks missing out if maritime training institutions are not upgraded to meet international standards.

“The trend is global—even developed nations are affected. However, Asian countries are moving fast to close the gaps. The seafaring profession can be leveraged to tackle unemployment in Nigeria,” Onakoya said.

Despite their critical role in global trade and the economy, Nigerian seafarers often face poor working conditions, delayed or underpaid wages, inadequate medical care, and arbitrary dismissals, undermining their dignity and contribution to national development.

To address these challenges, Onakoya recommended:

• Enhanced maritime education and training
• Stronger enforcement of labour policies
• Institutional reforms
• Appointment of core marine professionals to strategic positions

He stressed that proactive measures are necessary to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global maritime sector and ensure its workforce benefits from growing international opportunities.