The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says it is investigating the protest at the Nigerian Embassy by seafarers under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) 2013 set in the Philippines.
This was contained in a statement issued by the NIMASA management on Saturday.
According to the statement, a delegation will be heading to the Philippines to assess, ascertain and address the issues behind the protest.
The statement 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. 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.
“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.”
