NIMASA, STOAN, maritime workers sign Collective Bargaining Agreement for dockworkers

Determined to ensure a better living standard for dock workers in Nigerian seaports, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) together with terminal operators and the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), aimed at improving the welfare of dock workers in line with international best practices.

The agreement, which was signed under the aegis of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC), provides for increase in wages, allowances, emoluments and benefits, including payment of redundancy and retirement benefits by terminal operators to aged dockworkers. CBA also covers payment of specified allowances to deceased dock worker’s next of kin and pension contribution scheme for dock workers among other items listed in the agreement.

NJIC is the body responsible for negotiating and reviewing of minimum standards for dock labour. It was constituted in 2008 following the need to establish minimum standards for the Dock Labour Industry after the ports were concessioned in 2006.

On the other hand, NIMASA is statutorily empowered under section 27(1) (b) of NIMASA Act 2007 to facilitate the NJIC meetings, circulate signed Agreements and ensure strict compliance on implementation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, Gambo Ahmed, chairman of the NJIC, who doubles as the executive director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA, said that dock labour is an integral part of the maritime business, hence the need to prioritise their welfare.

Ahmed, who represented the director general, Dakuku Peterside, urged operators to put the welfare of the dockworkers’ into proper perspective in order to have a healthy maritime sector and ensure a robust economy.

Vicky Haastrup, chairman of the STOAN stated that without the dock workers, there will be no ports, because the workers play a major role in the development and growth of the economy of the ports.

According to her, the initiative has brought about understanding among stakeholders in the ports and also given room for the peace and orderliness in the maritime sector.

“We must all work together to ensure that the interest of the common dock worker is protected,” she said.

On his part, Adewale Adeyanju, president general of the MWUN, applauded the initiative and pleaded that all parties involved should endeavour to fulfill their obligations as contained in the agreement.

He said that with the supervision of NIMASA through the NJIC initiative; the industry is witnessing a new dawn. He also pledged that the leaders of the Union will continue to ensure the sustenance of peace and harmony in the maritime sector in the interest of the sector and the Nigeria economy as a whole.

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE