By Platform Reporters
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable, globally competitive Nigerian maritime workforce, saying the strength of the industry rests on the competence and professionalism of its people.
Speaking at the 2026 Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, the management of NSML congratulated the Academy and the graduating cadets on completion of what it described as a significant phase of their maritime journey.
“Today represents more than the completion of an academic programme. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that comes with the responsibility of contributing to the growth, safety, and excellence of Nigeria’s maritime industry,” the company stated.
NSML said its partnership with MAN, including training collaboration through its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), reflects its core belief in capacity building and competency development.
“We firmly believe that the strength of the maritime industry rests on the competence, professionalism, and preparedness of its people. This belief underpins our commitment to capacity building through structured training, professional development, and initiatives that prepare Nigerian maritime professionals to meet international standards,” the company said.
The shipping giant noted that developing a sustainable workforce requires strong collaboration between training institutions and industry operators to ensure that classroom knowledge is complemented by practical skills, discipline and safety consciousness demanded in real-world operations.
It will be recalled that the Acting Rector of MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, had earlier disclosed that 43 cadets of the Academy are currently undergoing their mandatory one-year sea service onboard NLNG’s ultra-modern vessels under the NSML-MAN partnership, with reports of their performance rated between very good and excellent.
Addressing the cadets directly, NSML charged them to embrace integrity and continuous learning:
“You are entering an industry that demands integrity, resilience, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Carry the knowledge you have gained with confidence, remain humble enough to keep learning, and strive to distinguish yourselves through your competence and conduct.”
“You are not only building careers; you are also contributing to Nigeria’s capacity to compete and excel in the global maritime arena,” the company added.
NSML also commended the management and faculty of MAN for their dedication to maritime education, pledging to continue working with the Academy to strengthen local expertise and support long-term sustainability of the industry.
The 2026 graduation ceremony saw cadets awarded National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates, with top performers receiving prizes from national and international organisations, including The Nautical Institute, UK.
