By Winifred Ngozi Orji
Harboursandports.com: Lagos- December 12, 2024: The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in a bid to improve the welfare and safety of dockworkers in Nigeria, has launched a Reviewed Minimum Standards document. The document outlines the required conditions for dockworkers' employment, including their safety, welfare, and working conditions.¹
The document was launched by NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for maritime labour to function in line with global best practices.
He also urged employers to prioritize workplace safety and renew their commitment to improving the welfare of dockworkers.
This development is a welcome move, as it aims to address the challenges faced by dockworkers in Nigeria. The Reviewed Minimum Standards document is expected to have a positive impact on the maritime industry, ensuring that dockworkers are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
“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.
“It is very instructive that we have concluded, as part of the activities of this great day, to launch a document that encapsulates our commitment as an Agency to ensuring that Nigerian dockworkers are treated fairly by the terminal operators and stevedoring companies.” He said
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a document that outlines the minimum standards for dockworkers in the country. This document codifies the implementation of approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements on minimum standards.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), sees this as a positive step but also believes more needs to be done. He's advocating for employers at port terminals to provide insurance policies for dockworkers and their families. Additionally, he's calling on NIMASA to prioritize the health and welfare of dockworkers, considering the risks associated with cargo handling.
This development is part of NIMASA's efforts to improve the welfare of dockworkers. The agency has been working with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) to enhance dockworkers' welfare through collective bargaining agreements.
“As a union we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment. We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations,” Adeyanju said.
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.
Meanwhile, the 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.
The event was graced by several maritime bigwigs including; the Chairman of Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola; Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Dr. (Mrs.) Odunayo Ani; Pioneer President, Dockworkers Union, Comrade Joshua Ogunleye; among others.
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