Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup has urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to use the 0.5% stevedoring levy remitted by terminal operators for the training of dockworkers.
Haastrup emphasised that the levy is specifically designated for dockworkers training, but expressed disappointment that NIMASA has not utilised the funds for this purpose, despite the significant resources available.
She called on the agency to fulfil its responsibility and invest in the training of dockworkers.
Speaking at the 2024 Dockworkers Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Lagos on Thursday, Princess Haastrup also said that the Federal Government’s port concession program has been a “transformative game-changer for dockworkers”, as it has led to improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration.
“These positive impacts have significantly improved the livelihoods of dockworkers, enabling them to better support their families and communities,” she said.
She said that the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which have ensured fair treatment, payment of living wages, and retirement benefits to dockworkers in the country.
“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, pension, gratuity, and bonuses.
Also speaking, Mr Ascanio Russo, the Managing Director of PTML Terminal, described dockworkers as the engine room of port operations.
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