Assessment of Cabotage Act implementation and its effect on Nigerian seafarers

This paper is based on a study that was carried out to assess the implementation of cabotage act in Nigeria from the perspectives of the seafarers and shipowners who are considered as the major stakeholders in maritime sector and are directly affected by this act. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cabotage operations and to ascertain the effect of cabotage act implementation on Nigerian seafarers onboard cabotage vessels. Primary data was used through a design of questionnaire and interview. Fifty (54) copies of questionnaires were retrieved out of 60 copies that were administered. The method of data analysis was descriptive using statistical mean and percentages with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The data collected were measured in 5-point Likert scale with a hypothesized mean of 3.00. The findings of the study revealed that despite some successes recorded in the aspect of increase in the number of cabotage vessels operating on Nigeria waters and increase in the number of Nigerian seafarers employed onboard these cabotage vessels , there are still some challenges in respect to the implementation of this act such as, low capacity of Nigerian ship building industry to meet the demand of cabotage trade market, inability of shipowners to access fund to enhance their operations, lack of adequate attention to the condition of service and welfare of Nigerian seafarers onboard cabotage vessels. This study recommends investment in Nigerian shipbuilding industry in order to meet the demand of cabotage trade and also seeks enforcement of the ratified Maritime Labour Convention by Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in order to ensure better working and living conditions for Nigeria Seafarers.