Dockworkers Day 2024: MWUN Commends Port Concession Exercise, Says it has Led to better Welfare, Remuneration of Dockworkers

—Union Seeks Collaboration with Customs to Curtail Drugs Importation

—Advocates HMO for All Dockworkers

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The port concession exercise carried out by the Federal Government in 2006 has once again drew commendation from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) even as the union has attested that the port reforms has led to better salaries and welfare for Nigerian dockworkers.

President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju made the assertion at the celebration of the 2024 Dockworkers Day held in Lagos on Wednesday with the theme “Safety First, Efficiency Always,”

The unionist said that “Despite the shortcomings of port concessioning, it has brought in improved security, lighting of the terminals, the ports are now better secured for cargo and safe for port workers. It has also led to better welfare and remuneration of Dockworkers”

Adeyanju conveyed the workers appreciation to their employers; the Seaports Terminals Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) under the leadership of Dr. Princess Vicky Haastrup and the National Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO) led by Bolaji Sunmola; for providing the enabling environment where dockworkers make a living.

He however urged the terminal operators to ensure that dockworkers get the necessary training, and are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

“I wish to note that we have experienced numerous accidents largely attributed to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate rest period. Let it be emphasized that the non provision of PPE Is a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health – International Labour Organization (ILO).

“As a union we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment.

“We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all Dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations. This policy will provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.

“Also, it is important to restress the popular saying that “health is wealth”. It is on this premise that we advocate the need for HMO for all Dockworkers in their places of work that will provide health insurance coverage for them and their immediate family.

“Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) will continue to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and fair compensation for all dockworkers and other categories of our members.

“We will also work closely with other stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Shipping companies and Government Agencies, to ensure that our ports are Safe, efficient, and productive.

“It is important to equally draw the attention of Government to resuscitation of Tally Clerks and onboard Gangway Security Men which forms an integral part of Dockworkers in accordance with section 27 of NIMASA Act 2007.

“Meanwhile, we urge the Nigeria Customs Service to extend a hand of fellowship, collaborate and synergize with Dockworkers and the Union in the area of customs examination to forestall the importation of hard drugs.”

President ,National Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO) Dr. Bolaji Sunmola who corroborated Adeyanju position on the reintroduction of the government tally clerks and onboard security, stressed the need for the synergy among NPA, NIMASA and employers of labour in line with cargo handling at the seaports.

Sunmola stated that employers of dockworkers have transformed over the years due to the collaborative mechanism with the union.
He also commended the President General of MWUN for his doggedness and dedication in port operations.

Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho noted that the dock labour industry is a force to reckon with .

In his paper presentation, Dantosho who was represented by General Manager, Marine and Operations, Dr. Charles Okaga spoke on ‘Safe, Effective, Cargo Handling Operations’.

He called on other government agencies to support the dockworkers on capacity building for effective port terminal operations.

He also called on stevedoring operators and terminal operators to ensure safety management policies to monitor and certify genuine dockworkers.

Chairperson, Seaports Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) described dockworkers as unsung heroes but commended NIMASA for the recognition of dockers.

Earlier, Executive Director Marine Labour and Cabotage Services (MLCS), NIMASA ,Jibril Abba called on dockworkers to sustain the peaceful coexistence in port operations.