Introduction
In a country where the unemployment rate has been on an upward spiral for years, many Nigerians seek new opportunities to add skills to their arsenal and potentially secure a livelihood. The maritime industry, often overlooked by job-seekers and career aspirants, has a hidden gem waiting to be nourished by the masses - able seaman jobs. This article discusses the necessity to create new job opportunities and highlights how the able seaman profession can contribute significantly to unemployment reduction in Nigeria.
The Plight of Unemployment in Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a massive workforce of over 60 million people aged 16 to 64. The unemployment conundrum has affected millions of Nigerians, and the pandemic did not help to alleviate the situation. Unemployment rates in the country have seen a sharp increase from 27.1% in Q2 of 2020 to 33.3% in Q4 of the same year. The quest for sustainable jobs for the jobless Nigerians has become paramount.
The Able Seaman Profession as a Gateway to Employment
Definition of Able Seaman
An Able Seaman (AB) is a member of the crew on a merchant ship or in the navy, with the primary responsibility of maintaining and operating the ship. They perform various tasks such as handling engines, steering wheels, rope work, and maritime safety. Becoming an Able Seaman requires specific training and certification to ensure that individuals meet the international maritime safety standards.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The Nigerian maritime industry has grown significantly over the past few years. Still, there exists a between the demand for trained and experienced seafarers and the available local supply. This gap can be bridged by offering comprehensive AB training courses to a large pool of unemployed Nigerians who might be interested in busying themselves with this profession.
Potential for Job Creation
Training more individuals as Able Seamen can catalyse job creation in the maritime sector in multiple ways. For one, the ship owners will have access to a more skillful workforce, stimulating business growth and encouraging them to invest further in the industry. Secondly, the increased number of skilled workers will come with a demand for other job roles, such as trainers, administrative staff, and support personnel, contributing to the employment rate indirectly.
Strategy for Implementation
Historically, Nigeria's maritime industry has experienced institutional neglect and lacks the necessary infrastructures and training facilities. Tackling unemployment through seaman training will require a multifaceted approach which includes:
Encouraging private sector investments
The Nigerian government should incentivize private sector involvement by creating tax breaks and other incentives for companies interested in building training facilities and funding programs for Able Seaman training.
Building Collaboration Between Educational Institutions and the Industry
Partnerships between tertiary institutions and the maritime industry will ensure that able seaman training courses are tailored to meet real-world demands. Educational institutions can update their curriculums and train their instructors on the latest trends and knowledge that define the industry.
Developing a Supportive Regulatory Framework
The government should put in place a supportive legal framework to regulate the recruitment and deployment of Able Seamen within the maritime industry. Such regulations will help maintain the integrity and standards of the maritime workforce, leading to a better-shaped, sustainable, and secure source of employment for the jobless Nigerians.
Conclusion
The Able Seaman profession presents a viable opportunity for Nigerians grappling with unemployment. Its potential to create job opportunities and contribute to the country's economic growth cannot be overstated. Consequently, it is time for both the government and the private sector to focus on developing a robust, trained workforce in the maritime industry, not just for the benefit of currently unemployed Nigerians but for the long-term development of the country. By investing in the maritime sector, Nigeria can create a more stable, secure future for its citizens, one well-equipped Able Seaman at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment