FG Approves Over 150% Salary Increase for Nigerian Seafarers
The Federal Government has approved a salary increase of more than 150 percent for Nigerian seafarers as part of broader efforts to improve welfare, create more employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s maritime sector.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also launched a digitised Seafarers’ Discharge Book platform aimed at modernising maritime administration and enhancing service delivery.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Executive Director of Marine Safety and Security, Musa Makoji, said the Federal Government remains committed to improving the welfare, skills, and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
According to him, the wage increase is part of ongoing reforms designed to encourage professionalism within the maritime industry while making Nigerian seafarers more competitive in the international shipping market.
The government also disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The proposed carrier is expected to create additional sea-time opportunities for cadets, boost indigenous participation in international shipping, and reduce capital flight in the maritime industry.
Officials further revealed that more than 2,400 cadets have benefited from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), while efforts are continuing to ensure full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and improve training standards for Nigerian maritime professionals.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting legislation and policies that promote maritime safety, indigenous shipping capacity, seafarer welfare, and job creation.
Industry stakeholders, including maritime legal experts, also commended the Federal Government and NIMASA for prioritising the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, describing the wage increase as a significant milestone for the country’s maritime workforce.
The latest reforms are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy agenda, improve employment opportunities for maritime professionals, and position the country as a more competitive player in the global shipping industry.
