Based on the alleged negative information by dockworker on the ill manner attitudes on the part of the concessionaires, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)has charged the Maritime Workers Union of Nigerian(MWUN)to report cases that are unfriendly to port operation.
Based on the alleged negative information by dockworker on the ill manner attitudes on the part of the concessionaires, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)has charged the Maritime Workers Union of Nigerian(MWUN)to report cases that are unfriendly to port operation.
At a one day workshop organised by the agency for dockworkers yesterday in Lagos, with the theme: "Dock Labour Decent Work Agenda", the Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service, Barrister Callistus Obi said that there is the need to address critical issues that affect the dockworkers.
Speaking on behalf of the agency during the interactive session of the programme, Obi said the agency is concerned about the activities of the dockworkers, adding that it is a directive from the Federal Government.
The Executive Director stressed that members of the MWUN are major players in the industry, pointing out that, "you are people that are there and you know where it pinches".
"You must begin to tell yourself that you are an agent of NIMASA particularly in information gathering and it is information that you will give NIMASA that will serve as a working tool", he appealed.
He added that the agency expected the union to help sanitise the port through adequate information, even as he pointed out that such information are very useful to the agency.
He urged the workers not to relent in giving useful information on ports operation saying that the agency is not a direct dockworker.
“If your environment is not conducive or it is hazardous, it is your duty to report to NIMASA by using the channels that are available, so please it’s a collective duty".
He assured dockworkers that the apex maritime agency is responsive and urged them to cooperate.
Earlier at workshop, members of the Dockworkers Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, had alleged that they are being enslaved by the terminal operators.
They alleged that the concessionaires do not have the right working and safety tool for work and that the working environment at the terminal is neither conducive nor friendly.
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