Chaplain canvasses allocation of 1 percent ship funds to seafarers

A former chaplain of Mission to Seafarers, Venerable Mike Gbadebo has called on the federal government to set aside 1 percent allocation of ships trading in Nigeria’s territorial waters to the seafarers’ welfare.

Gbadebo while speaking with newsmen recently decried the negligence of the seafarers saying the government does not recognise their roles in nation building.

The clergy maintained that it was disheartening for government to abandon the seafarers without proper remuneration.

His words, “The government can come by assisting the seafarers financially with the monies generated from the ports.

“I will suggest that certain percentage be ploughed back to the welfare of seafarers.

“Whatever charges the government is collecting from each ship trading in our waters should be allocated for the seafarers.”

According to him, at least 1% of such fund or 0.5% can be earmarked for them as a way of supporting their welfare.

He also expressed fears on how the monies would reach the seafarers if it can be achieved adding that government agencies should be part of the process.

He suggested that the best way out for such to be achieved if the government can support the gesture should be through their respective unions.

Citing instances where such allocation thrives for seamen, he noted that Ivory Coast has succeeded in assisting the workers with a certain percentage to support the profession.