BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has declared that the safety of dockworkers in their workplace is a fundamental right and not a privilege.
This is as the Agency launched the Reviewed Minimum Standard for Dock Labour Industry booklet to promote work efficiency.
The Agency’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who spoke in Lagos State at the 2024 Dockworker Day event, stated that efficiency in the workplace can only be guaranteed when the safety of dockworkers is assured.
According to the statement issued on Thursday by the Agency’s Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, Mobereola urged employers of labor to renew their commitment to improved workplace safety for the Nigerian dockworker.
Mobereola, who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, assured stakeholders that under his leadership, the Agency will endeavor to create an environment that enables maritime labor to function according to international best practices.
In his words “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.”
On the reviewed minimum standard for dock labour industry booklet, he said “It is very instructive that we have concluded, as part of the activities of this great day, to launch a document that encapsulates our commitment as an Agency to ensuring that Nigerian dockworkers are treated fairly by the terminal operators and stevedoring companies.
“This document codifies the implementation of approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements on minimum standards.”
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who advocated for employers at the port terminals to provide insurance policies for dockworkers and their families, called on NIMASA to focus on regulating and compelling terminal operators to ensure that the health and welfare of dockworkers are prioritized.
“As a union we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment. We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations,” he stated.
Also, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, whom in his paper presentation, delivered by the General Manager of Marine and Operations, NPA, Dr. Charles Okaga, described dock labour industry as a force to be reckoned with. He urged other government agencies to support dockworkers in capacity building for effective port terminal operations.
In her address, the Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, described dockworkers as unsung heroes and commended NIMASA for recognizing their contributions.