(L-R) Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba; Former President, Dockworkers Union, Comrade Uzor Ije Ukaumuna; President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; Chairperson, Seaports Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, during the 2024 Day of the Dockworker celebration in Lagos.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) marked the 2024 Day of the Dockworker with a call to employers to prioritize the safety of dockworkers, affirming that it is a fundamental right rather than a privilege. Speaking at the event in Lagos, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that the efficiency of the maritime sector depends on the safety of those working on the dock. His speech was delivered by Jibril Abba, the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services.
Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to fostering a work environment where maritime labor follows international best practices. He stated, “NIMASA is committed to supporting you with the tools, resources, and training necessary to enhance efficiency. By working smarter, we not only boost our productivity but also ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of our maritime industry on the global stage.”
During the event, Mr. Abba also launched the newly revised “Minimum Standard for Dock Labour Industry” booklet, reinforcing the agency’s pledge to ensure that Nigerian dockworkers are treated fairly. He explained that the document includes the implementation of collective bargaining agreements and approved conditions of service, which are vital for improving the standards of labor in the maritime sector.
In his address, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, appealed to terminal operators to provide life insurance for dockworkers and their families. Adeyanju underscored the unique risks associated with cargo handling and called for terminal operators to ensure the welfare of the dockworkers through proper personal protective equipment and life insurance coverage.
READ AlSo THIS: https://amehnews.com/2024/12/11/maritime-leaders-unite-at-2024-dockworkers-day-celebration-in-lagos/
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), highlighted the critical role of dockworkers in the nation’s maritime industry. In his paper, presented by Dr. Charles Okaga, NPA’s General Manager of Marine and Operations, Dantsoho urged other government agencies to collaborate in building the capacity of dockworkers for improved port terminal operations.
Princess Vicky Haastrup, Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), described dockworkers as the unsung heroes of the industry but commended NIMASA for recognizing their significant contributions to the growth and efficiency of the maritime sector.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including leaders from the maritime labor unions and terminal operators, who all echoed the call for greater attention to the welfare of the nation’s dockworkers.
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