The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah, has encouraged Nigerian seaport terminal operators to prioritize the investment in welfare of dockworkers.
Akutah, who was speaking at the 2024 Dockworkers Day organized by Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), in Lagos, maintained that it is vital to adopt a culture of continued investment in the welfare, safety, and professional development of dockworkers.
“Dockworkers are the backbone of the maritime sector, and your empowerment is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of the industry.”
“Your dedication to the cause of the industry ensures the seamless operation of our ports and the steady flow of goods essential for national trade and prosperity. By facilitating the smooth handling of cargo, you are instrumental in boosting international trade, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and attracting foreign investment,” the NSC boss said.
He specially commended SCAN for amplifying the voices of dockworkers and fostering collaboration within the maritime sector, adding that Shippers’ Council remains committed to working with stakeholders to enhance efficiency, productivity, and the well-being of those who keep our ports running.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, commended dockworkers for their skills, expertise, and dedication to facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.
Haastrup remarked that Nigeria’s port concession program has been a transformative game-changer for dockworkers, stressing that by introducing private sector expertise and investment at the port, the port concession has improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration, as well as training and development opportunities.
“Every two years, STOAN and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, under the supervision of NIMASA, negotiate new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) under the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). These trail-blazing agreements are life-changing, as they have significantly enhanced dockworkers’ welfare, ensuring fair treatment, living wages, and retirement benefits. Unlike the pre-concession era, dockworkers now enjoy formal conditions of service.”
“The impact is evident: the average dockworker’s take-home pay has increased substantially. The CBA has also fostered industrial harmony at the ports,” the STOAN Chairman said.
While describing the contributions of dockworkers to the nation’s ports as indispensable, she reiterated that terminal operators remain steadfastly committed to the welfare of dockworkers, unwavering in our dedication despite the challenging economic situation in the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi noted that despite welfare concerns that greeted the port concession in 2006, private operators have significantly improved dockworkers welfare.
“Terminal operators directly take charge of training and capacity building in that it impacts positively on productivity and their earnings through increased throughput. Considering all the locations in which dock labour is used, including ports, jetties, terminals, oil rigs, platforms, etc. – it is safe to say that it is critical to significantly improving the Blue Economy,” Chief Sarumi posited.
On his part, the President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju admonished the operators and regulatory agencies to properly vet the personalities selected to train dockworkers.
According to the MWUN President General, some of the personalities selected to train maritime workers only have academic knowledge of the port industry instead of hands-on experience about port business.
While commending the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NSC leadership for the new minimum wage and conditions of service for shipping operators, nevertheless, he observed that the new terms are yet to kick-off and encouraged the Ministry and NSC to intervene.
In his welcome address, the President of SCAN, Mr. Eugene Agha, said the event themed, “Dockworkers: Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, is a strategic occasion to stress the need for capacity building for dockworkers in consideration of the future and growth trajectory of the maritime industry.
Agha also noted that some exceptional dockworkers across the nine districts in the Western Port will be honoured to encourage commitment to duty and legitimate expectations.
