The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and dignity of dockworkers, warning employers in the maritime sector against neglecting labour standards as Nigeria advances its green port and sustainable development agenda.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers Day held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” Oyetola described dockworkers as the backbone of port operations whose contributions remain critical to the efficient functioning of the nation’s ports and overall economic growth.
According to the minister, dockworkers facilitate cargo movement, support international trade, ensure the smooth flow of imports and exports, and help maintain the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Without the commitment, resilience and professionalism of dockworkers, our ports cannot function effectively. Every container handled, every vessel serviced and every cargo delivered bears the imprint of their hard work and dedication,” he said.
Oyetola stressed that the welfare, safety, productivity and dignity of dockworkers remain a priority of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that employers must comply fully with labour regulations and provide safe working conditions.
“I wish to state unequivocally that the Federal Government will not tolerate any employer of dock labour who fails to place the welfare, safety and wellbeing of workers at the centre of their operations,” he declared.
The minister said employers are expected to provide appropriate safety equipment, support skills development and uphold the rights of workers, noting that the era of treating workers as expendable assets has no place in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He linked sustainable port operations to the protection and empowerment of workers, maintaining that efforts to modernise ports and adopt environmentally friendly practices must not come at the expense of workers’ welfare.
On the global push for decarbonisation and environmental sustainability, Oyetola said ports across the world are increasingly embracing greener technologies and cleaner operational practices to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
He noted that Nigeria must not be left behind in the transition to sustainable port operations and assured stakeholders of the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management systems and environmental awareness throughout the maritime value chain.
The minister emphasised that achieving green port objectives requires the collective participation of terminal operators, shipping companies, regulators and dockworkers.
Represented by the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, he explained that dockworkers, being frontline participants in port activities, have a vital role to play through proper cargo handling, adherence to environmental and safety standards, reduction of operational waste and support for sustainability initiatives.
Oyetola also highlighted capacity building as a key component of the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy strategy, pledging continued support for programmes that equip maritime workers with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies, changing industry standards and evolving environmental requirements.
He commended the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria for sustaining the annual Dockworkers Day celebration and for providing a platform that promotes dialogue on the future of the maritime industry.
According to him, such engagements contribute significantly to policy development, stakeholder collaboration and national economic growth.
The minister further assured stakeholders that the Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes decent work, sustainable port operations, investment growth and global competitiveness for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He congratulated dockworkers across the country for their invaluable contributions to national development and wished them continued success in their professional endeavours.
