The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession.
Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Port Harcourt, Oyetola emphasised the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for seafarers.
The celebration was held under the theme “My Harassment-Free Ship,” highlighting the need to ensure seafarers’ safety, dignity, and protection while at sea.
Oyetola noted that harassment and bullying have no place in the maritime industry and pledged the government’s commitment to building a maritime sector that values, protects, and empowers seafarers.
The Minister highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance the seafaring profession, including prioritising quality training, upgrading maritime institutions, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. He said the government is also investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.
Also, the Minister noted that the Ministry is building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements. According to him, the ministry is actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.
The Minister noted that a recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution.
This agreement demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers.
Oyetola pledged the government’s continued support for seafarers, saying, “Today, we celebrate you, our seafarers, not just for your labour but for your courage. We pledge to continue building a maritime sector that values, protects, and empowers you.” The Minister’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession is a welcome development for seafarers and the maritime industry as a whole.
Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasising the importance of recognising seafarers’ contributions to international trade and the global economy.
The celebration, held in Port Harcourt, had the theme “My Harassment-Free Ship,” highlighting the need to ensure seafarers’ safety, dignity, and protection while at sea.
Dr. Mobereola noted that seafarers play a vital role in powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans.
He said, “Today provides an opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor Seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans.” Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa, with many sailing on vessels in domestic waters and globally.
The DG revealed that the International Labour Conference recently approved seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, addressing issues such as protection against shipboard violence and harassment, access to shore leave, and medical safety standards.
Dr. Mobereola urged shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with the new amendments ahead of their expected entry into force in December 2027.
He said the agency will establish clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels and thorough investigations.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized that a harassment-free ship is a cohesive ship, and that seafarers should be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation.
The NIMASA Director-General called on government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society to work together to foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment on ships.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and other stakeholders for their support.
