The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has announced plans for the 2026 edition of its annual Dockworkers’ Day, aimed at celebrating the resilience and contributions of Nigerian dockworkers to the nation’s economy.
Scheduled to hold on May 28, 2026, at Rockview Hotels Apapa, the event will commence at 10 a.m. and is expected to attract key stakeholders across the maritime industry.
This year’s celebration, themed “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” will spotlight the growing need for environmentally friendly operations and the adoption of modern technologies in Nigeria’s seaports. The initiative aligns with global efforts to promote sustainability while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness in maritime trade.
According to SCAN, the Green Port initiative is designed to improve the environmental performance of ports without compromising their economic viability, while also supporting the long-term growth of the shipping sector.
In a statement jointly signed by SCAN Chairman, Moses Ebosele, and Organising Committee Chairman, Yusuf Babalola, the association noted that the event would serve as both a recognition platform and a forward-looking dialogue.
“SCAN Dockworkers’ Day serves as a platform to acknowledge the essential contributions of dockworkers to our economy, while also addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices in our ports,” the statement read.
It further emphasized the importance of preparing dockworkers for the evolving demands of the industry. “As the shipping industry evolves, it is crucial that we equip our dockworkers with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a green economy,” the association added.
The event will feature the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, as the keynote speaker. Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju, will chair the occasion.
Goodwill messages are expected from top government officials and industry regulators, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah; and the Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei.
The programme will also feature interactive panel sessions and networking opportunities, providing participants with a platform to exchange ideas on sustainable maritime practices and the future of dockworking in Nigeria.
SCAN extended an open invitation to maritime stakeholders, including government agencies, shipping companies, the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, and members of the public, to participate in the event and contribute to shaping a more sustainable future for the nation’s seaports.
As a professional body of maritime journalists, SCAN remains committed to advancing the interests of Nigeria’s shipping industry, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and deepening public understanding of maritime issues.
