Ihenacho urges increased protection of seafarers amid rising maritime risks

Lagos, June 2026 (TBL Africa) A former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, says seafarers do not just carry containers and cargoes but also move world trade and should be better protected amid rising maritime risks.

Ihenacho, the Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd., made the assertion in an interview on Friday in Lagos ahead of 2026 Seafarers Day celebration.

Ihenacho said the theme of the celebration, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks”, captured sacrifices made by seafarers.

He said that seafarers moved 90 per cent of global goods,  facing conflicts, isolation and extreme conditions.

He cited the Strait of Hormuz tensions, missile alerts, drone threats and wars as dangers faced by seafarers.

 “For most people, it is a news headline but for seafarers, it is the passage they must physically transit.

“Every radar contact demands full attention. Every phone call home says ‘all is well’ so families don’t worry,” he added.

He noted that seafarers also faced the risks of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic storms and mental fatigue from months at sea.

Ihenacho also the CEO of the Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, a shipowner and employer of seafarers, said the theme was a reminder that employers of seafarers had a duty to support them more.

He listed employers’ obligations to seafarers to include safety, mental health support and connectivity to families.

He added that seafarers’ employers should ensure they would not be harassed  on board ships.

 “No cargo, no charter rate, no commercial pressure will ever outweigh the value of your lives.

 “Thank you for every night watch in the Hormuz transit and for every maintenance job in 40°C heat.

“Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will pass, conflicts will rise and fall, but the sea remains.”

According to Ihenacho, as long as the sea remains, the world will need brave men and women willing to carry its trade and the risks.

“God bless our seafarers,”  he said.

He urged shipowners and managers to move from words to action by investing more in crew welfare, security for high-risk areas, and mental health support.

He added that they should  reject voyages when the risk on humans would be too high.