By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — A maritime expert, Master Mariner and development advocate, Capt. Caleb Danladi, has called for increased recognition, protection and investment in seafarers, describing them as critical to global trade and economic development.

Danladi made the call in a statement marking the 2026 World Day of Seafarers, celebrated globally under the theme: “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”

He noted that seafarers constitute the largely unseen workforce that powers international commerce, transporting more than 80 per cent of global trade by volume through oceans and waterways.

According to him, thousands of vessels move food, fuel, medicines, industrial equipment and consumer goods across the world daily, while seafarers spend long periods away from their families under demanding conditions to keep global supply chains functioning efficiently.

Despite their indispensable role, Danladi said seafarers continue to face numerous challenges, including piracy, maritime insecurity, mental health pressures, prolonged periods at sea, safety concerns, geopolitical tensions and climate-related disruptions.

He explained that this year’s theme highlights the sacrifices made by seafarers who not only facilitate global trade but also bear significant operational and personal risks in the course of their duties.

“The global economy depends on seafarers, yet their contributions are often taken for granted.

Governments, maritime administrations, shipping companies and international organisations must strengthen policies that safeguard their welfare, safety and professional development,” he said.

Speaking on Nigeria’s maritime sector, Danladi stressed the need for deliberate investments in maritime education, seafarer training, certification and employment opportunities in line with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.

He advocated stronger support for maritime training institutions, improved access to sea-time opportunities for cadets, modernisation of port infrastructure and enhanced collaboration between government and private-sector stakeholders to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers in the global maritime industry.

According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous maritime potential that can be unlocked through sustained investment in its maritime workforce, leading to increased trade, job creation, foreign exchange earnings and broader economic growth.

Danladi also urged policymakers to prioritise seafarer welfare programmes, maritime safety initiatives and capacity-building efforts aimed at developing the next generation of maritime professionals.

He further called on Nigerians to recognise and appreciate the contributions of seafarers while supporting measures designed to improve their working conditions and career advancement.

“The story of global trade cannot be told without seafarers. Their resilience, professionalism and sacrifice deserve our gratitude and our commitment to ensuring that they work in safer, more secure and more rewarding environments,” he said.

The World Day of Seafarers is observed annually to celebrate the contributions of seafarers to global commerce and raise awareness of the challenges they face while working at sea.