The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is currently reviewing 16 proposed amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, aimed at improving the welfare of seafarers and aligning Nigeria’s maritime labor regulations with international standards.
This review was a key focus during a three-day Tripartite Technical Session held in Lagos, which gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, employers, unions, and international maritime organizations.
The session highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime labor standards and ensuring decent working conditions for its seafarers. NIMASA’s Director General, Dayo Mobereola, represented by Jibril Abba, the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, reiterated the agency’s commitment to developing a fair and sustainable maritime sector.
Mobereola emphasized the importance of the proposed amendments, stating, “Through this synergy, we can achieve progressive amendments that will enhance seafarers’ welfare, create a fair business environment, and elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation.” He added that the session was not merely about policy changes but also about fostering a collective commitment to the sustainability of the maritime sector and protecting seafarers’ rights.
Discussions during the session spanned various topics, including the impact of emerging technologies, environmental challenges, and the evolving demands of the industry. NIMASA aims to establish a regulatory framework that improves working conditions for seafarers while supporting industry growth.
Essah Aniefiok, Nigeria’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) Attaché, stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve meaningful reforms. Meanwhile, Amos Kuje, the ILO Regional Advisor on MLC 2006, pointed out Nigeria’s significant role in Africa’s maritime landscape and the need to uphold its leadership, especially as the country seeks a Category C seat in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections. “The practice must align with the theory. Nigeria has all it takes to win the elections, but ensuring the welfare of seafarers remains a critical component of that effort,” Kuje asserted.
The MLC, 2006, establishes global standards for seafarers’ rights, ensuring decent working conditions while promoting fair competition in the maritime sector. Given the industry’s evolution due to automation, climate change, and economic shifts, NIMASA underscored the necessity of adapting legislation to effectively tackle these challenges.
The technical session was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, and other key industry stakeholders.
