The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Wednseday declared that the safety of dockworkers in their workplace is a right and not a privilege, and urged employers of labor to renew their commitment to improved workplace safety for the Nigerian dockworker.
The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who made the declaration in Lagos during the 2024 Day of the Dockworker commemoration event, stated that efficiency in the workplace can only be guaranteed when the safety of dockworkers is assured.
Mobereola, whose address was delivered by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, assured stakeholders that under his leadership, the Agency will endeavor to create an environment that enables maritime labor to function according to international best practices.
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, used the occasion to advocate for employers at the port terminals to provide insurance policies for dockworkers and their families. MWUN also called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to focus on regulating and compelling terminal operators to ensure that the health and welfare of dockworkers are prioritised.
In his words, “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”.
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.
In her address, Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, described dockworkers as unsung heroes but commended NIMASA for recognising their contributions.
