The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has 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.
He 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.
Mobereola, who read his welcome address at the celebration of the 2024 Day of the Dockworkers in Lagos on Wednesday, stated that as regulator of the maritime industry in Nigeria, NIMASA will ensure that dockworkers are sufficiently remunerated by operators and Dock Labour Employers as this will significantly enhance productivity at the ports, jetties, and terminals.
He noted that the event was to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the nation’s dockworkers, the backbone of the maritime industry. According to the NIMASA boss, the theme, “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” speaks to the core values that drive shipping daily endeavours. He formally acknowledged and saluted the esteemed Maritime Stakeholders for their pivotal contributions to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry, especially their impact on the growth of the maritime labour force.
Mobereola lauded dockworkers, saying, “We all know that in the bustling world of maritime operations, dockworkers play a critical role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods that fuel our economy. Your dedication, skill, and relentless hard work keep the wheels of our industry turning. Today, we honour you for your unwavering commitment and the vital role you play in the success of our maritime sector.”
He restated that NIMASA believes that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental right, adding that It is the collective responsibility of all to ensure that every dockworker returns home safely at the end of each day.
Noting the hazards and challenges dockworkers face on the docks are immense, he said that it is imperative that all concerned must continuously strive to create a safer working environment.
He maintained that his agency has implemented rigorous safety protocols and continues to invest in training and technology to mitigate risks. However, he warned that the essence of safety lies in a culture where every individual is vigilant and proactive.
In his words: “Let us remember that safety is not a one-time effort but a constant commitment. By fostering a culture of safety, we protect not only ourselves but also our colleagues and our community. Efficiency is the engine that drives productivity and growth. In an industry where time is of the essence, your ability to perform tasks swiftly and accurately is paramount. “Efficiency Always” means adopting innovative practices, leveraging technology, and constantly seeking ways to improve our processes. 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.I want to assure you that under my leadership, the Agency will endeavour to create an environment that enables Maritime Labour to function according to international best practices. As the competent authority for implementing ILO conventions and regulations, the Agency will also engage in maritime-related affairs through consultation with all relevant stakeholders, aimed at promoting a decent work agenda and advancing the industry.”
Mobereola announced the launching of the reviewed Minimum Standards for the Dock Labour Industry Booklets. He used the occasion to express the need for the operators in the private Jetties and Oil and Gas Terminals to grant operational access to the Stevedoring Contractors appointed by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to enable them carry out stevedoring activities in the assigned operational areas.
He said that this has become necessary given the continuous complaints by these Stevedores in this regard. In addition, he informed that the dockworkers biometric identification cards are ready.
Urging all and sundry to embrace the theme of “Safety First, Efficiency Always” as guiding principle, he maintained that with cooperation they can build a resilient and prosperous maritime sector that prioritizes the well-being of its workers while achieving operational excellence.
In his own welcome address, the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba,
said that the ‘Day of the Dockworkers’ was indeed another cherished day in the Nigerian Maritime ecosystem to recognise the invaluable contributions of dockworkers.
He stated that the theme of this year’s event ‘Safety First, Efficiency always’, was chosen to enable all deeply reflect on the need to prioritise 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.
He announced that NIMASA concluded and as part of the activities of the great day, would launch a document which encapsulates the commitment as an Agency to ensure that Nigerian Dockworkers are treated fairly by the Terminal Operators and Stevedoring Companies.
He explained that the document codifies the implementation of approved conditions of service and collective bargaining agreements, on Minimum Standards.
“It is pertinent to note that this ‘Improved Minimum Standard for the Dock Labour Industry’ has been ratified by National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). As part of our regulatory initiatives, copies of this document would be distributed to ensure that all stakeholders are aware and would hence diligently implement the provisions contained therein. We pledge the commitment of the Agency in ensuring that Dockworkers welfare is treated with great importance and priority is directed to the attainment of required capacity development needed in the industry,” the Executive Director said.