Nigeria has intensified its advocacy for the formal recognition and improved working conditions of seafarers and other maritime professionals on the global stage. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is pushing for seafarers to be designated as key workers under international labour conventions.
Speaking at the 353rd session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body in Geneva, Switzerland, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, emphasized the critical role seafarers play in global trade. He noted that their contributions to maintaining the supply chain must be recognized with legal protections, fair treatment, and access to adequate welfare provisions.
Mobereola stressed that Nigeria has been at the forefront of efforts within the ILO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to push for formal recognition of seafarers as key workers. According to him, this designation is essential to ensuring legal protection for seafarers, port workers, pilots, and marine surveyors under both ILO and IMO conventions, guaranteed priority access to medical care, vaccines, and mobility rights during public health crises and emergencies, and fair and equitable treatment in labour contracts, ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006).
“We recognize that the world’s economy depends heavily on seafarers and maritime professionals who operate vessels, facilitate port operations, and ensure the seamless movement of goods across international waters. However, these key workers often face labour rights challenges, including unfair employment conditions, restricted mobility, and lack of access to adequate welfare provisions—issues that were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oyetola said.
He further called for a harmonized framework between the ILO, IMO, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to support safe working conditions, prevent labour exploitation, and reinforce international labour standards across the maritime sector. As the largest supplier of seafarers and port workers in Africa, Nigeria plays a critical role in sustaining global trade and ensuring supply chain resilience. Oyetola highlighted that Nigeria’s maritime workforce must be given a fair playing ground.
The Minister noted that the discussions at the ILO session—covering global labour policies, country-specific developments under the ILO’s supervisory procedures, the Programme and Budget for 2026-2027, decent work in supply chains, and the Global Framework on Chemicals—align with Nigeria’s priorities in the maritime and blue economy sector.
Oyetola outlined Nigeria’s domestic initiatives to improve the welfare of maritime workers and bring the country’s shipping industry in line with global standards. The National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has been expanded, providing more training opportunities and improved employment pathways for Nigerian seafarers, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the global shipping industry. Port security measures have been strengthened to ensure compliance with international safety standards. Labour rights enforcement has been reinforced to ensure maritime workers operate under dignified, fair, and secure conditions.
The Minister also took the opportunity to announce Nigeria’s intention to contest for a seat in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium. If successful, Nigeria will use this position to advocate for stronger global regulations that protect maritime labour rights, push for enhanced technical cooperation and capacity-building for developing nations, and strengthen Africa’s voice in shaping IMO policies that promote fair labour conditions, sustainable maritime practices, and enhanced security in international waters.
“Nigeria is committed to reinforcing its dedication to these esteemed international agencies. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria and Africa have a more significant presence in the international community,” Oyetola stated. He further pledged Nigeria’s commitment to working with global stakeholders to ensure a better future for shipping, global supply chains, and the strengthening of global maritime labour policies.
“Nigeria stands ready to work closely with all partners to drive policies that prioritize the welfare, dignity, and protection of seafarers and port workers. We urge the international community to support Nigeria’s vision at both the ILO and IMO, ensuring that Africa’s largest maritime workforce is recognized, protected, and empowered for the benefit of global trade and economic stability. Together, let us build a maritime industry that is not only secure and sustainable but also just and equitable for all those who serve at sea and in ports worldwide,” Oyetola concluded.
The Nigerian delegation to the 353rd ILO session included Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA; Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at NIMASA; Nancy Olouha, Head of Protocol at NIMASA; Olatunji Ahmed, SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations; Dr. Amos Kuje, Regional Advisor and ILO Expert; and Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi (PhD), Nigerian Minister of Labour and Productivity.
