The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has called on maritime stakeholders to go beyond mere recognition of dockworkers’ contributions and invest significantly in their welfare, safety, and capacity development.
Adeyanju made this call during the 2024 Day of the Dockworker celebration held at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Sports Ground in Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday
Addressing the gathering, Adeyanju emphasized that dockworkers are the backbone of the maritime industry and deserve improved working conditions to enhance productivity. “Dockworkers deserve more than recognition; they need continuous investment in their welfare, safety, and capacity development. Without them, the maritime sector cannot function effectively,” he stated.
In alignment with this call, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) launched a document detailing Improved Minimum Standards for the Dock Labour Industry. Ratified by the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC), the document codifies the conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements aimed at ensuring dockworkers are treated fairly by terminal operators and stevedoring companies.
The celebration, themed “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” also focused on enhancing safety measures within the maritime sector. Dr. Mobereola noted that safety is a continuous commitment and emphasized the importance of creating a safer work environment for dockworkers. “The hazards dockworkers face daily are immense. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every worker returns home safely. Safety is not optional; it is a fundamental right,” he said.
As part of efforts to support dockworkers, NIMASA also unveiled biometric identification cards to streamline worker identification and access control at ports and terminals.
Additionally, the agency called on private jetty operators and oil and gas terminal operators to grant operational access to stevedoring contractors appointed by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, addressing ongoing challenges faced by stevedores in these facilities.
Adeyanju further applauded the launch of these initiatives but urged stakeholders to remain committed to addressing the challenges faced by dockworkers. “Today’s event should serve as a catalyst for greater collaboration and action. We must work together to improve the lives and livelihoods of our dockworkers while ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global maritime industry,” he added.
The NIMASA also declared that the safety of dockworkers in their workplace is a right and not a privilege, and urged employers of labor to renew their commitment to improved workplace safety for the Nigerian dockworker.
The agency’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola stated that efficiency in the workplace can only be guaranteed when the safety of dockworkers is assured.
Mobereola, whose address was delivered by the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, assured stakeholders that under his leadership, the Agency will endeavor to create an environment that enables maritime labor to function according to international best practices.
In his words “NIMASA is committed to supporting you with the tools, resources, and training necessary to enhance efficiency. By working smarter, we not only boost our productivity but also ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of our maritime industry on the global stage.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, noted that the dock labour industry is a force to be reckoned with. In his paper presentation, delivered by the General Manager of Marine and Operations, NPA, Dr. Charles Okaga, Dantsoho called on other government agencies to support dockworkers in capacity building for effective port terminal operations.
In her address, Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, described dockworkers as unsung heroes but commended NIMASA for recognizing their contributions.
