The Nigerian Maritime and Administrative Agency (NIMASA) has commenced the training of dockworkers on modern cargo handling at its eastern zone operational axis.
Already 400 Dockworkers are reported to have benefitted from the training across all the ports in the zone.
Our correspondent confirmed that the current training is part of the comprehensive training policy approved by the Director General of the agency, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi.
The Nigerian Maritime and Administrative Agency (NIMASA) has commenced the training of dockworkers on modern cargo handling at its eastern zone operational axis.
Already 400 Dockworkers are reported to have benefitted from the training across all the ports in the zone.
Our correspondent confirmed that the current training is part of the comprehensive training policy approved by the Director General of the agency, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi.
We learnt that about 1,100 Dockworkers across the country are to benefit from the dockworkers’ training which is targeted at enhancing their understanding of modern methods of cargo handling.
At least 400 dockworkers from the Eastern zone attended the workshop which held at different locations in Port Hracourt, which was for those drawn from Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar and Warri ports.
The zonal Co-ordinator, NIMASA, Olayemi Abass, accompanied by Mr. Ilo Victor, Head Maritime Labour Services, Port Harcourt and Dr. Ifaenyi Obuzo, Executive Assistant accompanied the zonal coordinator who was the special visitor at the workshop.
Addressing the dockworkers, the Zonal Co-ordinator thanked the dockworkers for participating at the workshop, even as he assured that he has heard all their complaints and all the issues raised and promised to take them up.
However, the dockworkers who came in their numbers gave position papers where they complained that terminal operators and stevedoring contractors were not living up to expectations.
Among the complaints they raised included that there were no evidence of remmitance of insurance deduction from their salaries and frequent late payment of their wages.
The dockworkers also complained of no medical facilities for dockworkers, in case of injury.
They also complained over non-issuanc, or non-renewal of their ID cards or pass to the various ports, stating that this has been a major challenge.
The dockworkers at terminal ‘B’ at Port Harcourt ports said they were given two nose masks per month instead of the daily issuance, while they complained of non-availability of bus services to take them in case of emergency, the dockworkers also said that they still work without having condition of service.
The Zonal Co-ordinator, Abass said the problems that have been identified require the attention of the NPA, Ministry of Labour, NIMASA and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. He assured them that the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) will intervene in their matter.
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