Abandoned Maritime Cadets Cry Out for Justice, Threaten MASSIVE Protest in Lagos

ASABA – The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organisations, CNDCSOs, has reaffirmed planned mass peaceful protest against the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, over “prolonged abandonment of Niger Delta maritime cadets sponsored abroad by the agency.”

In a statement signed Tuesday by its Secretary General, Comr. Awipi Lawson, the coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and order the immediate completion of outstanding training for the affected cadets.

According to CNDCSOs, while NIMASA sponsored cadets to undertake maritime training in different countries, Niger Delta beneficiaries have been left stranded for years without completing their academic and professional requirements.

“The Coalition considers the continued delay in the completion of the affected cadets’ training, which has left some of them waiting for years to fulfil their academic and professional requirements, a grave injustice that demands urgent intervention.

“We insist these young Nigerians deserve equal treatment, fairness and the opportunity to complete their training to obtain the professional qualifications required to pursue their maritime careers,” the statement stressed.

CNDCSOs urged President Tinubu to direct an independent and transparent investigation into the handling of the cadets’ training and ensure all outstanding requirements completed without further delay.

The group also called for a review of Dr. Mobereola’s leadership of NIMASA.

“We further call on the President to review Dr. Dayo Mobereola’s leadership of NIMASA in light of the allegations and unresolved concerns surrounding this programme.

“Should the investigation establish misconduct, discrimination or dereliction of duty, appropriate disciplinary action should follow,” the statement added.

In appeal to Niger Delta governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and youth organisations, the coalition said the region cannot continue to bear the burden of producing a significant share of the nation’s wealth while its youths are excluded from opportunities.

“The Niger Delta cannot continue to bear the burden of producing a significant share of the nation’s wealth while its young people are left feeling excluded from opportunities that should be available to all Nigerians. Our people are not second-class citizens,” CNDCSOs said.

The coalition warned that the treatment of Niger Delta youths under federal programmes has implications for public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Our position is clear: if the outstanding training of the affected Niger Delta cadets is not addressed and a credible commitment made to their completion, the Coalition will mobilise its members and engage Niger Delta communities to reconsider their political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” it warned.

CNDCSOs insisted that its planned mass peaceful protest remains on the table until meaningful steps are taken.

“Our planned action is intended to draw national attention to the cadets’ plight and compel the relevant authorities to fulfil their responsibilities,” the coalition said, urging members to remain disciplined, law-abiding and peaceful.

“The Niger Delta feeds the nation; its youths deserve justice, dignity and equal opportunity. The time for excuses has passed. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act.

“NIMASA must account for the outstanding training, and the affected cadets must be given a clear and credible pathway to complete their programmes,” the statement concluded.

However, as the agitations linger over the issue, the DG has maintained, “We will not submit to blackmail”, explaining that the agency under his watch is reviewing to close gaps in existing agreements on trainings in best interest of the trainees.