From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos

The International Transport Workers’ Federation UK (ITF-UK) has approved a grant to Nigeria through the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to build a seafarers’ recreation centre, in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Announcing this during a meeting in Lagos over the weekend with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Head, ITF Seafarers Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, said the grant was approved after three years of rigorous assessment.

“We are satisfied that it is safe to invest in the Nigerian maritime industry. Our visit to Nigeria is for site inspection so the project can commence.

In her brief to the minister, she commended MWUN and NIMASA for their commitment to seafarers’ wellbeing, adding that “the centre will serve not only Nigerian seafarers but also others in the West African region and beyond.

“We have absolute faith and trust in the Comrade Adeyanju-led MWUN and are very pleased with Dr. Bashir Jamoh and his team at NIMASA for their enthusiasm towards seafarers’ welfare. MWUN has built up credibility within the ITF family and we are pleased to partner them and NIMASA on this project.

On his part, Oyetola commended ITF for the fund, and assured that it would be judiciously utilised, while NIMASA fulfils its obligations on the project. According to him, “seafarers are the real drivers of the maritime industry.

“They sacrifice a lot for human existence, spending most of their time away from family and onboard vessels. So, creating this opportunity for social interaction is encouraging and commendable. I commend your decision to personally come to Nigeria and see things for yourself. It shows that you are committed to the project.”

Assuring that the government will complete the project in record time, Oyetola assured that “the grant will be put to use as expected. The Federal Government through our ministry will closely monitor the project.”

Meanwhile, Jamoh promised to continuously invest in the well-being of seafarers, stating that the agency keyed into the project having found it a major infrastructural capital development for seafarers’ welfare.

Similarly, Comrade Adeyanju said the quest to better the lot of seafarers informed their seeking funding from ITF, adding that the association took the challenge when approached by Jamoh to do something for seafarers.

“We took up the challenge, but considering the current financial situation in the country, we sought a grant from ITF,” he disclosed. “We are very happy with NIMASA for all they have been doing.”