The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is advocating for the strict adherence to international guidelines and conventions by operators of Oil and Gas Terminals. Speaking at the “Day of the Dockworker” event themed ‘Healthy Dockworker, Better Productivity,’ Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of NIMASA, emphasized the importance of allowing only approved stevedoring companies on Oil & Gas installations.
Dr. Jamoh urged terminal operators to ensure that all dockworkers are enrolled in contributory pension schemes. He highlighted the need for private jetties and Oil & Gas Terminals to grant operational access to stevedoring contractors appointed by the Minister of Transport. Additionally, he urged employers to establish contributory pension schemes for dockworkers, ensuring prompt remittances of both employers’ and employees’ contributions.
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, expressed gratitude to NIMASA for organizing the event, acknowledging the vital role played by Nigerian dockworkers. The event, held in alignment with the International Dockworkers’ Council (IDC) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on the Global Day of Action, aimed to raise awareness about port working conditions and emphasize the significance of collective bargaining rights.
Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Nigerian Ports Authority, Seaport Terminal Operators Association, and the National Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASA) were present at the event. The call for compliance with international guidelines underscores NIMASA’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and productivity of dockworkers in the maritime sector.
