Oyetola Commends Dockworkers’ Contributions to Nigeria’s Maritime Development

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has paid tribute to Nigerian dockworkers for their pivotal role in supporting the country’s maritime industry and blue-economy ambitions.

Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Dockworker celebration in Lagos, jointly organised by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Oyetola described dockworkers as the “first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth.”

Represented at the event by NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola, the minister acknowledged the hazardous and essential nature of dock-work and said the Federal Government remains committed to improving welfare and working conditions on Nigeria’s ports.

Oyetola noted that the government, through NIMASA and other agencies, has launched safety and capacity-building programmes aimed at providing modern protective gear, expanded training, and enhanced emergency-response mechanisms for dockworkers and riverine operators.

The event, held under the theme “Safe Port, Safe Ship,” also featured messages from the President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, and a representative from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, both highlighting the need for safe work environments and compliance with international labour standards.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola