Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - June 5, 2026: The Federal Government has warned employers in Nigeria’s seaports against neglecting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of dockworkers, stressing that their role is critical to the success of port operations and the growth of the marine and blue economy.
Delivering the message at the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, SCAN in Lagos, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA said the government would not tolerate any employer who fails to prioritise dockworkers’ welfare.
Oyetola described dockworkers as the backbone of port operations, insisting that employers must comply with labour regulations, provide safe working environments, support skills development, and uphold the dignity of workers.
According to him, “The era when workers were treated as expendable assets has no place in Nigeria’s maritime industry,” he declared.
He noted that ongoing port rehabilitation and modernisation projects present opportunities to build greener and more competitive ports, adding that sustainable port operations can only be achieved when workers are protected, respected, and empowered.
In his keynote address, Aminu Umar, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, represented by Director-General Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, said port modernisation should transform Nigeria’s ports into sustainable, technology-driven facilities capable of competing globally. He stressed that sustainability now drives investment decisions and trade competitiveness.
Former President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Adewale Adeyanju, cautioned that the transition to greener ports must not result in job losses or exclusion of workers. He called for a “just transition” that balances environmental sustainability with workers’ welfare through training, job protection, and social dialogue.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, represented by Deputy Director, Trade Services, Hanna Adaba, said sustainability has become a global imperative.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve dockworkers’ welfare while promoting sustainable port development.
Also speaking, Bolaji Sunmola, President of the National Association of Stevedoring Operators, NASO, highlighted the importance of operational efficiency in reducing emissions.
He argued that shorter vessel waiting times and reduced truck idling at port gates are among the most effective green port practices.
Sunmola urged government agencies to embed environmental performance indicators in port modernisation programmes and provide financing support for upgrading cargo handling equipment and infrastructure.
“A green port that exposes workers to unsafe conditions and poor welfare is a contradiction,” he said.
In his welcome address, Moses Ebosele, President of SCAN, described the event’s theme, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” as timely.
He commended the Federal Government’s planned $1 billion port development initiative, stressing that modernisation must go hand in hand with human capital development, continuous training, and improved welfare packages for dockworkers.
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