Vincent Toritseju
16 June 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has restated its commitment to the welfare of dock workers in the maritime industry urging employers to ensure better working conditions for this category of maritime stakeholders.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) in Lagos, the group’s Chairman, Mr. Gambo Ahmed urged the operators to bear in mind that the welfare of the dock workers will impact a lot on the ports industry and also, in turn, the entire economy, hence the need to ensure that they are properly catered for.
Gambo, who is also the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA noted that the initiative was with a view to use the tool of constant engagement to ensure that the dock workers’ get better living conditions in line with International Labour laws.
He said. “When the welfare of the dockworkers’ is put into proper perspective, we have a healthy maritime sector, thereby leading to the actualization of a robust economy.”
Similarly, Director, Maritime Labour Services, NIMASA, Mr. Ibrahim Jibril who also corroborated the stance of the Chairman of the NJIC, said that the new agreement will demonstrate the Agency’s commitment, which is in line with the theme of the 107th International Conference held in Geneva viz; “A future with Decent Work and also building a future for the Dock Labour Industry”.
He also assured them that the Agency has also put in place all necessary machinery towards ensuring a successful exercise in line with the provisions of the existing agreement and the demand for its review.
The Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Otunba Kunle Folarin who represented the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) commended NIMASA for its role in maintaining the already existing peace in the ports industry and expressed optimism that the negotiation will yield positive results as all parties involved will work as a team and ensure that no dock worker is short-changed.
