The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of dockworkers, describing them as the backbone of port operations and critical drivers of global trade.
In goodwill message at the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos, Dantsoho said dockworkers remain the linchpin of the maritime value chain and deserve greater recognition for their immense contributions to economic development.
He commended SCAN for initiating the annual celebration, noting that the event provides an opportunity to spotlight the indispensable role played by dockworkers in sustaining maritime transportation and international commerce.
According to the NPA boss who was represented by Mr Bukar Kaumi of the Lagos Port Complex, Seaports serve as key facilitators of economic growth, while dockworkers ensure the seamless movement of cargo that keeps trade flowing across the world.
“Whether you want to refer to them as stevedores, longshoremen, dock hands, loaders or off-loaders, without the essential functions performed by dockworkers, the maritime transportation system and the global trade it supports would come to a grinding halt,” he said.
Dantsoho noted that more than 90 per cent of global trade is transported by sea, accounting for a significant share of the world’s economic output and serving as a major catalyst for development and poverty reduction.
He stressed that every member of the maritime community and indeed the global population benefits directly or indirectly from the services rendered by dockworkers.
“It makes sense to specially celebrate and show appreciation to dockworkers not only on Dockworkers’ Day but every day,” he stated.
The NPA Managing Director, however, urged stakeholders to move beyond celebration and renew their commitment to initiatives that improve the lives and working conditions of dockworkers.
According to him, while maritime transport remains the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation, dockworkers have consistently played a crucial role in sustaining the efficiency and operational standards that make this possible.
He added that achieving seamless port operations and sustainable ease of doing business depends largely on how well dockworkers are equipped and supported.
“Indeed, the much-talked-about efficiency and seamlessness of operations required to attain sustainable ease of doing business rests heavily on how well we are able to equip our dockworkers,” he said.
Describing dockworkers as highly treasured assets of the maritime industry, Dantsoho assured stakeholders of the NPA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing their welfare under the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“Before I take my seat, I wish to assure you all of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority, under the leadership and guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, to the continuous improvement of the welfare of our dockworkers,” he stated.
The 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration brought together key maritime stakeholders to recognise the contributions of dockworkers and discuss sustainable practices for the future of Nigeria’s port industry.
