By Fruzzy Wuzzy
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently in Nigeria to conduct an audit of the country’s maritime training institutions, focusing on the processes involved in the issuance of Certificates of Competency (CoC)
The audit follows an invitation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which sought an independent evaluation of its certification procedures.
The initiative aims to strengthen the credibility and global recognition of Nigeria’s maritime qualifications.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary-General of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Capt. Sunday Umoren, described the move as a welcome development. While noting that NIMASA was in a better position to provide details, Umoren commended the agency for opening its system to external scrutiny.
He added that the exercise would, in no small measure, enhance the value of the CoCs issued in Nigeria and improve the employability of Nigerian seafarers in the global maritime industry.
Similarly, Capt Ihenacho Ebubeogu, former General Manager in charge of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, said the development will give the country more credence in the issuance of its certification process.
He said:” Generally, in the principles audit, if procedures are followed, if standards are maintained in arriving at anything, so if IMO is auditing them, it is to establish these facts. And if these facts are established, coming from a creditable organisation like IMO, it will give them credence.
“Then if they also discover any deficiency coming from a position of neutrality, and we take to such corrections, it will remedy any lacuna that is lacking in those processes. And that will make attain a new stardom in the for validation of our CoC.”
Also commenting on the development, NIMASA’s Spokesman, Mr. Osagie Edward, a Deputy Director, explained that the audit is a routine exercise conducted periodically to ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
An official of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the IMO team visited the institution a few days ago. During the visit, the auditors inspected facilities and held discussions with the Academy’s management.
It was further gathered that the IMO delegation is expected to visit other private institutions across the country that are authorized to issue Certificates of Competency (CoC).
