“To Boost Seafarers’ Welfare: NIMASA Seeks Amendments to MLC 2006”

From 2nd Left: Deputy Director, Maritime Labour Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Barde Yusuf Ismaila; Assistant Director, Marine Shipping, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, FM M&BE, Wasliat Adamu Mohammed; President, Seamen’s Branch, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade Sunday Avoseh; International Labour Organisation and Labour Attache, Essah Aniefiok; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba; Secretary General, Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, NMNOWTSSA, Comrade John A. Okpono; representative of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Captain Maku G. Yurkusi; Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards, NIMASA, Captain Elei Green Igbogi (2nd right) and other participants during a three-day Tripartite Technical Session to review 16 proposals for amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 in Lagos.

 The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is spearheading efforts to enhance seafarers’ welfare by reviewing 16 proposed amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006—widely recognized as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights.”

This initiative took center stage at a three-day Tripartite Technical Session in Lagos, where government representatives, employers, labour unions, and international maritime stakeholders gathered to discuss Nigeria’s commitment to improving maritime labour standards.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, represented by Mr. Jibril Abba, the Agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, emphasized that the amendments seek to align Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework with global best practices. He acknowledged the significance of collective efforts in ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability in maritime labour policies.

“Through this synergy, we can achieve progressive amendments that will enhance seafarers’ welfare, create a fair business environment, and elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation,” Jibril stated.

Discussions at the session focused on pressing issues such as the impact of technological advancements, environmental considerations, and evolving seafarers’ needs. The goal remains to improve working conditions while fostering industry growth.

Mr. Essah Aniefiok, Nigeria’s ILO Labour Attache, underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve meaningful reforms. Similarly, Dr. Amos Kuje, Regional Advisor and ILO expert on MLC 2006, reiterated Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa’s maritime industry. He stressed that as the country seeks a Category C seat in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections, prioritizing seafarers’ welfare would further solidify Nigeria’s leadership in maritime affairs.

“The practice must align with the theory,” Dr. Kuje remarked, urging stakeholders to uphold best practices that reflect Nigeria’s commitment to the MLC.

The MLC, 2006, serves as a global framework ensuring decent working conditions for seafarers while promoting fair competition within the maritime industry. However, with shifting global maritime dynamics—driven by automation, climate change, and economic shifts—NIMASA reiterated the importance of adapting the convention to meet emerging challenges.

The session saw participation from key maritime organizations, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others.

As NIMASA continues to champion improvements in maritime labour policies, this tripartite engagement reflects a significant step towards a more resilient, competitive, and equitable Nigerian maritime sector. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape policies that prioritize the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers while positioning the country for greater influence on the global maritime stage.

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