Seafarers seek improved welfare

Mission to Seafarers has called on the Federal Government and operators in the country’s maritime industry to improve the level of support and commitment to seafarers in the country.

The Chairman of MTS Lagos, Adebayo Sarumi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos at the annual Sea Sunday Service and award-giving ceremony, themed ‘The unfailing love of God at sea’.

He called for renewed vigour to encourage seafarers as a result of the physical danger they are exposed to due to travels by sea.

According to Sarumi, seafarers are exposed to physical danger due to travel by sea, in addition, they are in danger of suicide, long voyages without shore leaves, where countries deny them the opportunity to leave their ships, psychological trauma, piracy fears, illnesses, among others.

“The challenges of seafarers are real, and probably even more deep-seated than we imagine, but we have risen to mitigate those that we envisage,” he noted.

Sarumi pointed out that MTS Lagos had been promised a jetty that would greatly facilitate safer corridors and access to the MTS Lagos Centre, describing the anticipated jetty as a gesture that complements the recent partnership with the Nigerian Navy FOC Command, and other maritime agencies.

The Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, Vicky Haastrup, pledged the support of seaport terminal operators for the welfare of seafarers.

Haastrup charged other stakeholders to play an active role in ensuring seafarers get the value and regard they deserve for the essential services they provide around the world.

Earlier, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a principal partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners, Mrs Chiazor Anishere, charged shipowners to prioritise the welfare of seafarers and provide for their skill development.

The Chaplain of MTS Lagos, Francis Aduroja, recalled that a year ago, the MTS Centre was nothing to write home about; but affirmed that it was a place to be.

“We thank God for the renovation that has taken place and the state-of-the-art facilities available at the centre. We are grateful to all our stakeholders, especially the Nigerian Ports Authority,” he remarked.