NIMASA begins probe of NSDP cadets’ protest in Philippines 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it will be sending a fact-finding team to the Philippines over the recent protest by some of its cadets studying in the country under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP).

A statement by NIMASA described the development in the Philippines involving NIMASA NSDP 2013 cadets, as seen in a recent online video as unfortunate, saying that the agency is monitoring the development with a view to engage with the school and the cadets.

In the viral video, a group of Nigerian NSDP cadets were seen protesting at the Nigerian Embassy in Manila, Philippines, over alleged refusal by the embassy to receive and also listen to their grievances against NIMASA.

The cadets alleged that they had been abandoned by NIMASA, stressing that they had been in the Southeast Asian country for almost 10 years.

According to the agency, it has received Ministerial approval for an assessment visit this October to ascertain, first-hand, the issues and to fully and finally address them.

The statement signed by the NIMASA management, reads, “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.

“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.

“While we regret the embarrassment this may have caused all concerned; we urge caution and avoidance of any speculative reporting until the official outcome of the on-the-spot evaluation to the Philippines is submitted.”