The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh on Tuesday restated the commitment of the agency to the mental health of seafarers, even as he hailed the industrial peace that permeates the nation’s maritime sector.
Dr. Jamoh, during a working visit by President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, commended the union for fostering industrial harmony in the Nigerian maritime sector.
Commending Adeyanju’s peaceful disposition, Jamoh said: “We have witnessed more dialogue in resolving issues under your tenure and improved employer-employee relationship within the maritime sector. We need to sustain the industrial harmony in this sector, to attain in-country confidence amongst stakeholders and ultimately attract FDI to the country.
He added that, “NIMASA will encourage projects like the Seafarers Recreational Centre, because it will enhance seafarers’ mental, emotional and social well-being, amongst other benefits”.
On his part, Comrade Adeyanju highlighted that the Collective Bargaining Agreement facilitated by NIMASA is largely responsible for the ease with which employee-employer dialogue now takes place in the maritime sector.
“Dr. Jamoh has been very instrumental in ensuring industrial harmony within the maritime sector. He seeks dialogue anytime we issue ultimatum. His pro-activeness has contributed significantly to the outstanding performance of the current NIMASA Administration, we are very proud of him. Unionism is now scientific, with the use of data analysis to arrive at our position on any issue, and we prefer dialogue to confrontation and it has worked for us over the years. The Collective Bargaining Agreement implemented by NIMASA, has made things very easy and transparent.” He said
Speaking further, Comrade Adeyanju who is also the Vice President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) disclosed that the Union has secured approval for international collaboration to establish a recreational Center for Seafarers in Nigeria, signaling positive strides in supporting the wellbeing of maritime workers.
’’We have been working with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, UK, to which MWUN is affiliated. They have offered us a grant to partly fund the construction of a Seafarers Recreational Centre. We are glad to announce that NIMASA is favorably disposed to this project. When completed, the Seafarers Recreational Centre will not only serve as a rallying point for in-country seafarers, but also offer a welcoming environment for those onboard during port calls, allowing them experience and savor the warmth of Nigerians.
