NIMASA vows to enforce relevant laws to enhance seafarers’ welfare

As the nation’s shipping industry joins the world to mark the international day of seafarers, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has promised to fully enforce the relevant provisions of the international conventions and laws to enhance the protection and improve the working conditions of seafarers. 

Speaking at the event in Lagos at the weekend, Dakuku Peterside, director general of NIMASA said the place of seafaring in the growth of shipping business has become indispensable as they ensure that the wheel of global commerce keeps rolling.

According to him, it was important for the humanity to understand and appreciate what seafarers endure at sea under ‘harsh and turbulent waters’ that endangers their lives just to ensure that goods and services get to their destinations safely.

“Today presents a rare opportunity for the world to celebrate seafarers, who people rarely acknowledged as the core component in the development of global shipping. This is why the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set aside June 25 as the day to recognise seafarers and this year’s celebration was themed At Sea for all,” he stated.

Peterside, who was represented by Ibrahim Jibril, director of Administration and Human Resources of NIMASA, also pointed out that the agency has identified five critical areas in repositioning the sector for greater efficiency of which welfare and capacity building were listed as critical in ensuring the desired growth in the sector.

The NIMASA boss also called on all maritime stakeholders to identify with the theme of this year’s Day of the Seafarer campaign by appreciating the invaluable contribution of seafarers to the nation’s wellbeing.

Speakers at the event who appreciated the work of seafarers, also called on relevant authorities and NIMASA in particular to enforce the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and Decent Work Agenda both aimed at improving the wellbeing of seafarers.

The International Day of the Seafarer is a day set aside by the International Maritime Organisation to celebrate the seafarer and show appreciation for their work that is indispensable to global commerce.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie