NIMASA, ITF Back Seafarer Wellbeing MoU

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has formalised a partnership with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the mental health and well-being of Nigerian seafarers and cadets through training, awareness, and capacity building.

The highlight of the three-day Seafarers’ and Cadets’ Wellbeing Awareness and Train the Trainers Programme was the signing. NIMASA organised the programme in collaboration with the ITF under the theme “Stress: Understanding, Early Management, and Coping.”

At the event, NIMASA Director General Dr Dayo Mobereola said the partnership would strengthen capacity building and integrate a well-being module into maritime training curricula to make seafarer well-being a permanent part of preparation for life at sea.

Represented by NIMASA’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Jibril Abba, who signed the MoU on the Agency’s behalf, Dr Mobereola said, “Seafarers’ well-being is essential to safe shipping, and NIMASA is committed to protecting maritime workers’ welfare. The programme will equip maritime training institutions, Agency officers and union partners to identify and manage stress and provide psychological first aid when necessary.”

He stressed the need to address the psychological challenges of life at sea, including stress, anxiety, depression and burnout. Referring to a 2019 ITF study conducted with Yale University, he said one in four seafarers surveyed showed signs of depression and about one in six showed signs of anxiety.

ITF Africa Regional Secretary Mr Safiyanu Dauda Mohammed, who signed the MoU on the federation’s behalf, said it was the ITF’s first agreement of its kind with an African country.

According to him, “it is very exciting for me because it is the first in Africa, and we are starting with Nigeria. Seafarers are very critical workers in the maritime sector. So it is very important to prioritise their wellbeing and welfare, to mitigate their anxiety and depression”.

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria President-General Comrade Francis Bunu welcomed the development, saying, “Seafarers must be mentally fit to perform their duties, which makes today a significant milestone for Nigerian seafarers.”

Also present at the event were the National President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Chief Engr Bob Joseph Yousou; ITF Wellbeing Coordinator, Dr Asif Altaf; and ITF Inspector, Mr Hamani Amadou among several other stakeholders.

The training programme highlights the growing need to refocus attention on the health and mental wellbeing of seafarers who work in difficult situations and endure extended periods away from their families and loved ones.

This collaboration reinforces NIMASA and ITF’s commitment to strengthening seafarer welfare through sustained training, institutional cooperation, and improved mental health support, recognising that a healthy seafarer is a safe seafarer.