The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on employers of dockworkers to provide them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and allow them to have enough rest in order to minimize accidents. The union noted that most of the accidents being recorded are as a result of non-provision of PPE and lack of adequate rest.
Revealing these during his speech at the 2024 Dockworkers Day with the the theme, “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” the President General of the Union, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, decried non-provision of PPE, saying that it is
a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He declared that his union strongly urged the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment.
The President General further advocated that employers should provide group life insurance coverage to all dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations. “This policy will provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities,” he stated.
Adeyanju also drummed up the need for health insurance scheme for dockworkers as it is popularly said that “health is wealth”.
He reiterated the need for the provision of
health insurance coverage for dockworkers and their immediate family.
Though he recognized that some employers of dockworkers are trying he said that MWUN will continue to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and fair compensation for all dockworkers and other categories of their members.
He promised to work closely with other stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Shipping companies and Government Agencies, to ensure that the ports are Safe, efficient, and productive.
Adeyanju drew the attention of government to the need to resuscitate Tally Clerks and onboard Gangway Security Men which form an integral part of Dockworkers in accordance with section 27 of NIMASA Act 2007.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service to extend a hand of fellowship, collaboration and synergy with dockworkers and the union in the area of Customs examination to forestall the importation of hard drugs.
In his welcome speech, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the need for stakeholders to strictly adhere to high safety standards in their operations to reduce the occurrence of industrial accidents at the nation’s ports, jetties and terminals.
Represented by the Director Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, the Director General enjoined dock labour employers to ensure that dockworkers are adequately compensated in the event of accidents or fatalities, in accordance with the Employee Compensation Act.
Reading his address, the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, noted that the theme of this year’s event, “Safety First, Efficiency Always”, was chosen to enable all to deeply reflect on the need to prioritize the welfare and general working conditions of dockworkers which is primary and a catalyst to greater output, efficiency and enabling of an optimum and beneficial work-life balance.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoh stated that the dock labour industry is a force to reckon with .
Dantsoh who was represented by General Manager, Marine and Operations, Dr. Charles Okaga spoke on ‘Safe, Effective, Cargo Handling Operations’.
He urged government agencies to support the dockworkers on capacity building for effective port terminal operations.
The NPA MD charged stevedoring operators and terminal operators to ensure safety management policies to monitor and certify genuine dockworkers.
Chairperson, Seaports Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup commended dockworkers and described them as unsung heroes with a pledge that her association will continue to take care of them.