NIMASA investigates cause of NSDP cadets’ protest in Philippines
A Management team of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) would be visiting the Philippines over protests by the 2013 cadets of it Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
OnepageAfrica reports that video of the protesting cadets in the Philippines went viral on the social media, where the cadets alleged being neglected.
Responding to the development, NIMASA in a statement weekend gave assurances that it would send a delegation to the Philippines to ascertain the situation with the protesting cadets.
The statement reads in part: “We wish to let the public know that we are monitoring the unfortunate development in the Philippines involving NIMASA NSDP 2013 cadets, as seen in a recent online video.
“And to assure Nigerians that NIMASA has received Ministerial approval for an assessment visit this October to ascertain, first-hand, the issues to fully and finally address them.
“Our Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Engr. Victor Ochei, will lead the fact-finding mission to the Philippines, to engage with the school and the cadets. As responsible management, we must deal with this from an informed position, as the matter far predates this administration.”
NIMASA expressed regrets over the situation and appealed for caution and avoidance of any speculative reporting pending when official reports are given based on first-hand evaluation of the situation in the Philippines.
