NIMASA to sanction Terminals, Jetties, IOCs engaging unregister dockworkers
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a Marine Notice, issuing stern warnings to terminals, jetties, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) involved in stevedoring activities, and threatening sanctions for those employing unregistered dockworkers.
The agency also urged the stakeholders including dock labour employers and stevedoring companies to act swiftly, either by applying for new operating licenses or renewing expired ones, as stipulated by the NIMASA Act 2007.
The notice issued by the Director, Maritime Labour Services Department, outlined in the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulations 2014, requires strict compliance from all maritime operators.
In the Marine Notice released, NIMASA emphasized that any private operators, including those at onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities, ports, bonded terminals, and inland container depots, must ensure their dockworkers are duly registered and licensed.
“No terminal or company shall continue to engage the services of unregistered dockworkers for cargo handling at their work locations,” the agency declared.
NIMASA gave a 30-day window for full compliance, warning that any breaches would lead to severe penalties, including the sealing of operational areas or prosecution.
The agency’s notice added, “The consequences for non-compliance set out in the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulations 2014 shall be enforced.”
This move is part of NIMASA’s broader effort to ensure safe and regulated operations within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
NIMASA’s actions are seen as a crucial step to curtail unregulated practices in the sector and ensure that stevedoring operations across the country align with global best practices.
The agency reiterated its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s maritime capacity, while also promoting the safety and welfare of dockworkers.
For further information, NIMASA directed stakeholders to consult the full regulations available on its website.
