A group of Nigerian cadets trained in the Philippines under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has written a passionate open appeal to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, over the prolonged delay in the approval of their Certificate of Competency (CoC) payment.

In the letter, which was posted on NIMASA’s social media platforms, the concerned cadets expressed deep frustration and emotional distress caused by what they described as “an indefinite pause” in their professional journey, despite fulfilling all necessary training and documentation requirements.

“Our journey as NSDP cadets has been marked by endurance, sacrifice, and resilience,” the cadets wrote.

“Despite facing numerous challenges, from natural disasters to delayed seatime placements, we remained committed to the vision of this program and the hope that NIMASA would stand by us when it mattered most.”

While cadets trained in other countries under the same NSDP initiative have reportedly had their CoC payments processed and approved, the Philippines-trained contingent claimed they have been sidelined without explanation or communication from NIMASA.

“Today, however, we are confronted with yet another burden: the prolonged delay in the approval of our CoC payment,” they said.

They further stated, “This disparity in treatment is not only demoralising, it is killing us.

“We completed our training; we presented our documentation. Yet, what should have been a routine administrative approval has become an indefinite pause in our professional lives.”

The cadets emphasised that the delayed payment not only threatens their maritime careers but also undermines their morale and belief in the program’s promise.

Describing themselves as "sons of this great country," the group pleaded with the NIMASA DG to intervene personally and urgently.

They lamented, “We have waited with hope in our hearts, believing that our nation, through your leadership, would not forget us.

“But with each passing day, it feels as though we are being left behind, unseen and unheard.

“We are sons of this great country, yearning not for charity but for a chance to stand tall as proud ambassadors of Nigeria on the global maritime stage.”

They appealed to the NIMASA DG, saying, “Sir, as a father listens to the cry of his children, we ask you to hear us now.

“Let your heart be moved by our long wait, our quiet suffering, and our unwavering hope. Please, we appeal to you, approve the CoC payment for the Philippines-trained cadets.

“Restore our dignity. Rekindle our dreams. And let history remember you as the father who heard the cry of his sons, and rose to make things right.”

The NSDP, launched by NIMASA in 2008, was aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified Nigerian seafarers by sponsoring young Nigerians for maritime education and training abroad.

However, in recent years, several batches of cadets have raised concerns about delays in seatime placements, certification processes, and funding issues.

Unfortunately, as at the time of filing this report, NIMASA has not issued an official response to the appeal of the Philippines-trained cadets. (SAHARA Reporters)