17/07/2026
The APC Government Must Stop Neglecting the Philippines-Trained NSDP Cadets
One of the true measures of any government is not how many promises it makes, but how faithfully it fulfills the commitments inherited and undertaken on behalf of the Nigerian people.
The continued neglect of the Philippines-trained beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) is deeply concerning. Many of these young Nigerians reportedly completed their academic training years ago, yet a number are still waiting for the completion of critical requirements such as their Certificates of Competency (CoC), while others are yet to receive their B.Sc. certificates.
This situation has left many qualified young Nigerians unemployed, frustrated, and uncertain about their future. Nigeria invested significant public funds in training these cadets abroad to strengthen the country's maritime workforce. Allowing them to remain stranded undermines that investment and weakens confidence in government programmes.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC administration must demonstrate that it is committed to completing worthwhile national programmes rather than allowing beneficiaries to languish in uncertainty. Likewise, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, should urgently provide a transparent roadmap for resolving all outstanding issues affecting the affected cadets.
This is not about politics; it is about responsibility. A government that speaks of youth empowerment should ensure that young Nigerians who answered the nation's call are not abandoned after years of sacrifice.
We therefore call on the Federal Government and the leadership of NIMASA to:
- Immediately resolve all outstanding CoC-related issues.
- Facilitate the release of pending B.Sc. certificates where applicable.
- Publish a clear timeline for the completion of the NSDP obligations.
- Engage directly with the affected cadets and provide regular updates on progress.
Nigeria deserves a maritime sector driven by competent professionals, not a system where trained cadets are left waiting indefinitely. Constructive governance demands that this issue be treated as a priority.
The affected cadets deserve answers. More importantly, they deserve action.
Signed:
Concerned Nigerian youth for a better Nigeria !
