The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), expressed worry that the delay of the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, on the renewal of the CoC for seafarers, poses a serious threat to officers onboard ships with clear indications of them losing their jobs in mass.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate group urged the NIMASA boss to sign the certificates or assign a senior officer from the apex regulatory agency to append their signature on his behalf if the seamen must retain their jobs.

According to the seafarers, the NIMASA boss has not signed the CoC for close to six months, a situation seafarers within the officers’ cadre maintained should have led to a protest at the corporate head office of the regulatory body in Apapa, Lagos State.

NMNOWTSSA President, Bob Yousou, while confirming the situation, said most of the officers, who are supposed to be at sea onboard vessels, cannot go back because of the CoC renewal. He explained that the situation warrants protest action from seafarers, but maintained that the union is on top of the situation.

Speaking on the implications behind the signatory setback by the NIMASA boss, Yousou said seafarers may likely lose their jobs in mass if the situation persists.

He said the situation might also lead to more problems for the agency and the Nigerian economy, noting that seafarers are essential workers that ensure the day-to-day transportation of large cargoes across the globe.