The NIMASA DG, Dr. Dayo Mobereola making his speech at the event.
Story by Dili Utomi.
Industry bigwigs gathered at the Balmoral event centre of the Federal Palace Hotel, Tuesday to celebrate the 2025 ‘day of the Dockworker’ with a theme: Safe Ports, Safe Ships.
It was a very good attempt at giving some level of credence to the contributions of most of those who in no small measures are daily helping to grow the Nigerian economy.
Jubril Abba the executive director, maritime labour at NIMASA said of the Dickworkers at the event ” Your resilience in constantly contributing to the growth of the maritime sector and your commitment have have helped to foster a culture of where safety is valued. As you celebrate today, we appreciate your contribution to the maritime industry “.
The president-general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Francis Bunu while appreciating the contributions of everyone in making the day a reality stated that “Dockworkers constitute the foundation upon which the nation’s port economy strives as they remain important in international trade facilitation, cargo handling and overall maritime development and to continue to undermine them will be inimical to the well being of our nation’s economy and must therefore be put up for redress”
He urged the federal government, its parastatals, agencies and stakeholders to give urgent attention to certain enumerated challenges with the view to fashioning out enduring solutions.
MWUN PG, Comrade Francis Bunu at the event.
The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Abba who said that the authority will continue to collaborate with all Dockworkers for the welfare of everyone in the sector and for the growth of the industry.
Mrs. Ugbomma represented the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, she used the occasion to state that “Recognising the importance of the dockworkers, the NSC interfaces with them in all areas and these interventions underscore our commitment. As we celebrate them today, let us continue to work together to build a safer, and more efficient maritime industry”.
Jack Walsh who represented the president of the Storage Terminal Owners Association of Nigeria (STOAN) noted that the resilience and dedication of the dockworkers have given impetus to the growth of the maritime sector. He added that their sacrifice have been great and urge them to continue with their best contributions to development of the sector.
From the left are, Dr. Mobereola, Mr. Igbinosun and others at the event.
Bolaji Sunmola of the National Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO) said that over the course of history of ports operations globally, the occurrence of workplace accidents made it necessary for government regulatory bodies, ports authorities, terminal operators, stevedoring contractors and other relevant stakeholders to develop, implement , enforce and over time improve operational frameworks for the safety of the dockworkers.
He concluded that to achieve the highest standards of safety of dockworkers to prevent work place accidents and injuries is a joint responsibility of dockworkers, employers and the government.
Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, director of Measurement and Productivity at the Ministry of Labour and Productivity noted that “Dockworkers ensure the movement of goods through the Nigeria Ports. Their contributions enhance the link between local economy to the world market. They have the potentials of contributing about $44 Billion annually to the Nigerian economy if well managed. The enhancement of the operating principles to work in a safe, clean and healthy environment will ultimately enhance the growth of the economy”.
The director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola represented the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy. He stated in his speech that safety underpins organisational efficiency and. growth .
A group photograph after the event.
He noted that “Dockworkers have the first touch in the trade links that turn the potentials in the Blue Economy into real growth. You deserve protection and institutional support which is the reason why the Ministry is taking deliberate steps to improve the lots of all dockworkers”.
He also added that ports automation and modernisation that is currently being embarked on is for meeting global standards.
The Minister’s words “Your labour is the dignity of this industry, your contribution is valued and your safety is non-negotiatable. To our Unions, let us continue to improve standards. The Blue Economy offers tremendous opportunities, so let us make sure that the environment that they work in is safe, secure and modernised”.
The former president-general of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju spoke to the press at the end of the event. He noted with regret the situation where the Nigerian dockworkers were not pensionable and had little or no welfare package. While he thanked the government for remedying these anomalies, he also added that we need to operate the international standards in all areas of welfare and safety.
As the dockworkers day is celebrated, it is expected that the celebration of the day is not meant for mere speeches and bac0k pats, but that beyond these are deliberate efforts to make sure that their work place is safe and secure and that their welfare is also taking into continuous consideration.
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