The Federal Government has introduced a set of safety and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian dockworkers.
The programmes were announced during the 2025 Day of the Dockworker celebration held in Lagos, jointly organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
This year’s event, themed “Safe Port, Safe Ship,” focused on promoting workplace safety, fair treatment, and improved welfare for dockworkers, who are regarded as indispensable to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended dockworkers for their vital contribution to trade facilitation and national development.
He said the government had introduced several measures to safeguard their wellbeing, including the provision of modern protective gear, enhanced safety training, and emergency response programmes. According to him, these interventions are designed to create safer ports and better working environments that boost productivity.
“As dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and transforms the potential of the blue economy into real national growth,” Mr. Oyetola said.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to professional development schemes for dockworkers and riverine transport operators as part of its broader blue economy strategy.
President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr. Francis Bunu, commended NIMASA, NPA, and other stakeholders for recognising the contributions of dockworkers and prioritising their welfare.
He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammadu Dingyadi, for his continued commitment to workers’ protection and welfare.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Labour Minister, the Director of Productivity, Measurement and Labour Standards, Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, urged maritime employers and operators to maintain safe work environments and ensure fair remuneration in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators, the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, and others, also pledged sustained support for initiatives aimed at improving dockworkers’ welfare and workplace safety.
The Day of the Dockworker was established to honour the contribution of Nigerian dockworkers, highlight the occupational hazards they face, and promote efforts to strengthen safety standards and decent working conditions across the nation’s ports.
