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MARITIME STAKEHOLKDERS ADVOCATES FOR DOCKWORKERS' SAFETY... As Oyetola commends Dockworkers contributions to Nigeria’s maritime development

By Anne Ejuka

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Maritime stakeholders has advocated for improved dockworkers safety and security just as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola commended them for their immense contributions to Nigeria’s maritime development.


These were the views of various stakeholders at the 2025 Dockworkers Day celebration in Lagos on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, which was hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).



The event, which sought to bring the importance of safe working conditions and enhanced welfare for Nigerian dockworkers with theme, "Safe Port, Safe Ship" also highlighted government Initiatives to improve safety standards. 


Delivering his keynote address,  the Honourable Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented at the event by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola,  saluted the incredible work of dockworkers adding that their contribution is at the very core of Nigeria’s maritime economy, observing that “today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a marine industry where safety is assured and productivity increases. He said, "As dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth".



Continuing, the minister said, "the Federal Government has initiated safety and capacity-building programmes, including provision of modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators, as part of its commitments. Through NIMASA, we are enhancing safety training, improving emergency response capabilities and enhancing professional development schemes."


Also speaking at the event, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as all Agencies under his supervision especially NIMASA, for their commitment to dockworkers welfare. 



According to him, "It is a great honour to join all dock workers in celebrating the 3rd edition of Dockworkers Day 2025. On behalf of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), I sincerely thank NIMASA, terminal operators, stevedores, and all maritime stakeholders for hosting this event and recognizing the vital role of dock workers in sustaining our nation’s maritime industry."


He added that, "We deeply appreciate the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his remarkable efforts in revitalizing Nigeria’s maritime sector, and the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment for his steadfast commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian workers."


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In his goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, Director of Productivity, Measurement and Labour Standards in the Ministry urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of safe work environment and appropriate remuneration for dockworkers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards. 


In their separate goodwill messages, the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO), and Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) all commended dockworkers for their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime industry and pledged their commitment to ensuring enhanced welfare and safer working environment.


 




 


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