THE FEDERAL Government has cautioned stakeholders in the maritime sector against the harassment and bullying of workers.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, issued the warning during the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
This year’s event, themed: “My Harassment-Free Ship,” underscored the importance of fostering a respectful and professional work environment in the maritime industry.
Oyetola emphasized that harassment and bullying not only endanger individual well-being but also damage the sector’s reputation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing policies that safeguard the rights, welfare, and safety of seafarers nationwide.
“The Federal Government is dedicated to enhancing the seafaring profession. Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry,” he stated.
The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to improve seafarer training through the modernization of maritime institutions, expanded capacity-building programs, and alignment with international standards.
He assured that Nigeria remains fully committed to complying with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, including recent amendments requiring anti-harassment training on ships.
“These measures are crucial to ensuring Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and employable in the global market,” Oyetola added.
He further outlined government initiatives to enhance seafarers’ welfare, including stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, improved working conditions, and engagement with shipowners to ensure fair treatment and onboard safety.
The ministry is also developing digital platforms to connect seafarers with global job opportunities and advocating for better working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.
Oyetola noted the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement facilitated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with industry unions and employers, which establishes improved standards for wages and working conditions.
He commended NIMASA for advancing Nigeria’s standing in global shipping and protecting the interests of Nigerian seafarers.
Earlier, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, acknowledged seafarers’ critical role in domestic and international trade, blue economy growth, and global shipping operations. He stressed that this year’s celebration aimed to promote a safe and dignified environment for seafarers, emphasizing zero tolerance for harassment on ships.
Mobereola noted that Nigeria leads Africa in seafarer numbers, with thousands serving on domestic and international vessels. He expressed optimism about further growth through initiatives like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme and other training institutions.
Referencing recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) adopted at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Mobereola highlighted strengthened protections for seafarers, including recognition as key workers, safeguards against harassment, and improved occupational safety standards. He urged industry stakeholders to update their operational manuals ahead of the amendments’ enforcement by December 2027.
Mobereola encouraged seafarers to report grievances without fear of retaliation while ensuring protection against false accusations.
He affirmed NIMASA’s commitment to implementing robust policies to prevent and address harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, including confidential reporting channels for incidents.
