Stakeholders in the marine industry have advocated human capacity development in the marine survey to improve efficiency in marine operations in Nigeria for global competitiveness.
The experts who made the call during the maiden matriculation of 68 students into the post-graduate diploma programme in Marine Surveying, said capacity development in maritime would boost the economy and prevent substantial losses in cargo and other activities.
The programme was approved by the Niger Delta University and sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with the Centre for Marine Surveyors and Wider Perspective Limited.
The ceremony, which was held virtually, was hosted at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Auditorium, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The President, the Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria, Prince Adebambo Ademiluyi, said marine surveyors play a prominent role in the economy. According to him, the professionals give integrity to marine activities.
He said owing to the absence of marine surveyors, Nigeria has incurred substantial losses, especially in petroleum products, This, he said, informed the decision to train more certified marine surveyors in the country rather than depending on foreign expatriates.
Ademiluyi added that the Niger Delta University has approved and endorsed the curriculum for the postgraduate diploma programme and would also award the certificate to the students as they complete the programme.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Simbi Kesiye Wabote, said there was the need to improve human capital development and efficiency in marine operations in Nigeria for global competitiveness.
Wabote, said improved predictability and transparency in marine operations would go a long way in boosting confidence in the sector, which will, in turn, bring about increased revenue for Nigeria.
He said marine surveyors are greatly relied upon by the marine community to perform a wide range of tasks, which include, advising purchasers, underwriters and lending institutions on the condition and valuation of vessels.
Wabote said this training was informed by the need to urgently address the existing critical capacity gaps in the country, by increasing local participation and reducing the oil and gas industry dependent on foreign experts to develop the economy, as part of the NCDMB 10-year strategic road map.
Managing Director, Wider Perspective Ltd., Mrs. Edughom Hansen, said the objective of the programme was to develop the in-country capacity of young graduates through training and certification to support the maritime industry.
Hansen, however, urged the students to be focused, make use of the opportunity afforded them and ensure they attend classes, as well as eschew all forms of deviant behaviours and other vices.
“We hope that your experiences during your study will launch you to greater achievements as you commit yourself to learn.
“We desire to see a better you at the end of this programme. You must at all times show respect to your colleagues and staff of the university and other stakeholders; this will make your stay fruitful and productive,” she added.
