The federal government says it has initiated safety and capacity-building programmes, including provision of modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators, as part of its commitments for the welfare of dockworkers.
This was made known by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, at the 2025 Day of Dockworkers in Lagos organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
The event held under the theme, Safe Port, Safe Ship, sought to bring the importance of safe working conditions and enhanced welfare of Nigerian dockworkers to the fore while also highlighting government Initiatives to improve safety standards.
In his keynote address, Mr Oyetola saluted the incredible work of dockworkers adding that their contribution is at the very core of Nigeria’s maritime economy.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director General of NIMASA, Mr Dayo Mobereola, observed that “today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases.
“As dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth.
“Furthermore, the Federal Government has initiated safety and capacity-building programmes, including provision of modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators, as part of its commitments. Through NIMASA, we are enhancing safety training, improving emergency response capabilities, and enhancing professional development schemes.”
Also speaking at the event, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr Francis Bunu, praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as agencies under his supervision especially NIMASA, for their commitment to dockworkers welfare.
According to him, “It is a great honour to join all dock workers in celebrating the 3rd edition of Dockworkers Day 2025. On behalf of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), I sincerely thank NIMASA, terminal operators, stevedores, and all maritime stakeholders for hosting this event and recognizing the vital role of dock workers in sustaining our nation’s maritime industry.”
He added that, “We deeply appreciate the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his remarkable efforts in revitalizing Nigeria’s maritime sector, and the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment for his steadfast commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian workers.”
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Muhammadu Dingyadi, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Igbinosun, Director of Productivity, Measurement and Labour Standards in the Ministry urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of safe work environment and appropriate remuneration for dockworkers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO), and Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) all commended dockworkers for their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime industry and pledged committed to ensuring enhanced welfare and safer working environment.
The Day of the Dockworker was organized by NIMASA in collaboration with NPA and NSC with support from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in recognition of the important, often hazardous job of dockworkers as well as raise awareness about Dockworkers.