The federal government has warned stakeholders in the maritime sector against harassment and bullying of workers.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the warning during the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

This year’s celebration had the theme: “My Harassment-Free Ship”.

Mr Oyetola emphasised the need to promote a respectful and professional work environment in the maritime industry. He noted that harassment and bullying pose serious risks to individual well-being and the sector’s reputation.

“The federal government is committed to enhancing the seafaring profession. Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry,” the minister said.

He highlighted the government’s prioritisation of quality training for seafarers by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and aligning maritime education with international benchmarks.

Mr Oyetola also assured that Nigeria remains dedicated to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments that mandate anti-harassment training aboard ships.

“These are vital steps to ensure Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and globally employable,” Mr Oyetola added.

He noted the government’s investment in the seafarers, including stricter regulation of recruitment and placement agencies and enhanced access to decent working conditions.

The minister noted that his ministry was actively engaging with shipowners nationwide to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety for seafarers.

“In addition, we are developing digital platforms to connect seafarers with global support networks and employment opportunities while advocating for better working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.

“The ministry is also supporting increased Nigerian participation in international shipping to broaden sea-time opportunities for cadets and maritime professionals,” he added.

Mr Oyetola noted the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement brokered by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) alongside industry unions and employers, which sets new standards for fair wages and working conditions.

He commended NIMASA for championing Nigeria’s visibility in the global shipping arena and for ensuring the protection and recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

Reflecting on developments at the recent International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the minister recalled the adoption of seven amendments addressing issues affecting seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

These amendments included the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against shipboard violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation, and updated medical and occupational safety standards.

“We urge shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to update their operational manuals accordingly in preparation for the amendments’ enforcement by December 2027,” he cautioned.

Earlier, Dayo Mobereola, the director-general of NIMASA, acknowledged the contributions of seafarers to both domestic and international trade, the growth of the blue economy, and the global shipping network.

Mr Mobereola noted that Nigeria contributed the largest number of seafarers in Africa, with thousands of Nigerians manning vessels on both domestic and international waters.

He expressed confidence in continued growth through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme and other maritime training institutions nationwide.

Mr Mobereola also encouraged seafarers to report grievances without fear of retaliation. He affirmed NIMASA’s resolve to institute robust policies and mechanisms to prevent and address harassment aboard Nigerian-flagged vessels.

(NAN)