The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged the government’s commitment to improving the safety and welfare of dockworkers to enhance their productivity and prosperity.

Mr Oyetola gave the pledge in a statement by Edward Osagie, the deputy director and head of public relations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in Lagos on Wednesday.

The 2025 Dockworkers’ Day celebration was organised by NIMASA, in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in Lagos on Tuesday.

The event, with the theme “Safe Port, Safe Ship,” underscored the importance of safe working conditions and improved welfare for Nigerian dockworkers.

In his keynote address, Mr Oyetola commended dockworkers for their dedication, describing their role as central to Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy growth.

Represented by the director-general of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, the minister noted that dockworkers are essential in building a safe and productive maritime industry.

“The federal government has introduced safety and capacity-building programmes, including the provision of modern protective gear for dockworkers and riverine operators.

“Through NIMASA, we are strengthening safety training, improving emergency response, and expanding professional development opportunities,” Mr Oyetola said.

The president-general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Francis Bunu, expressed appreciation to the minister and maritime agencies, especially NIMASA, for their consistent support.

He also lauded the ministers of marine and blue economy and of labour and employment for their steadfast commitment to workers’ welfare and sectoral revitalisation.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, represented by Emmanuel Igbinosun, urged stakeholders to maintain commitment to safe work practices.

Mr Dingyadi also emphasised the need for fair remuneration for dockworkers in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.

The management of NPA, NSC, the Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO), and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) also commended the dockworkers for their efforts.

They pledged continued commitment to ensuring improved welfare and a safer working environment for all dockworkers in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

(NAN)