“2024 Day of the Dockworker: NIMASA Champions Progress with New Standards for Maritime Workforce”

The 2024 ‘Day of the Dockworkers’ was a momentous occasion in Nigeria’s maritime sector, bringing together stakeholders to honor the unsung heroes of the industry — the dockworkers. The event, led by Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at NIMASA, emphasized the invaluable contributions of dockworkers to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime value chain.

In his welcoming address, Mr. Abba highlighted the event’s theme, “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” as a reminder of the crucial balance between prioritizing worker welfare and achieving operational excellence. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of dockworkers, stating that their dedication underpins the progress and success of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

A key milestone of the event was the launch of the Improved Minimum Standard for the Dock Labour Industry, a document ratified by the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). This groundbreaking initiative reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for dockworkers, mandating terminal operators and stevedoring companies to uphold approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements. Copies of the document were distributed to stakeholders, signaling a new era of transparency and accountability in maritime labor practices.

Reflecting on the past, Mr. Abba acknowledged the strides made in improving dockworkers’ welfare while emphasizing the need for continuous collaboration among stakeholders. He called for innovative ideas and collective support to enhance capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that dockworkers are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry.

The occasion also served as a platform to align with the broader vision of the federal government. Mr. Abba lauded the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his dedication to developing the sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This collaboration underscores the government’s resolve to create a thriving maritime ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

The Executive Director concluded by expressing gratitude to all contributors who made the event a success. He reminded participants that while the journey toward improving dockworkers’ welfare is challenging, the collective commitment to global best practices and ethical standards will yield worthwhile results.

As dockworkers and stakeholders celebrated this year’s edition, the 2024 ‘Day of the Dockworkers’ stood as a testament to NIMASA’s unwavering dedication to building a maritime industry that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and equity. It was not just a day of recognition but a call to action to further empower the workforce that drives Nigeria’s maritime success.