The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has celebrated the 2025 Day of the Dockworker in Lagos, reaffirming government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian dockworkers.
The event, themed “Safe Port, Safe Ship,” highlighted the critical role of dockworkers in driving Nigeria’s maritime economy and the importance of ensuring safe and dignified working environments across the nation’s ports.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commended dockworkers for their “incredible work” and described them as being “at the very core of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”
Oyetola, who was represented by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that dockworkers are the first link in the trade chain that fuels the national economy.
“Today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases,” he said.
“The Federal Government has initiated safety and capacity-building programmes, including the provision of modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators. Through NIMASA, we are improving safety training, emergency response capabilities, and professional development schemes.”
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, praised the Minister and maritime agencies for their unwavering support for dockworkers’ welfare.
“On behalf of MWUN, I sincerely thank NIMASA, terminal operators, stevedores, and all stakeholders for recognizing the vital role of dockworkers in sustaining our nation’s maritime industry,” Bunu said.
He also lauded the Ministers of Marine and Blue Economy, and Labour and Employment, for their commitment to revitalizing the maritime sector and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian workers.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, urged all stakeholders to uphold safe working conditions and fair remuneration in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
Representatives of the NPA, NSC, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO), and Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) also commended dockworkers for their dedication and pledged continued collaboration to ensure better welfare and safety across Nigeria’s ports.
Organized by NIMASA in partnership with NPA and NSC, the annual Day of the Dockworker seeks to honor the contributions of dockworkers and raise awareness about their working conditions in the maritime sector.