The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing seafaring profession, eliminating bullying and harassment in the maritime sector.

Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Port Harcourt, Oyetola emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for seafarers.

The celebration was held under the theme, ‘My harassment-free ship’, highlighting the need to ensure seafarers’ safety, dignity, and protection while at sea.

Oyetola noted that harassment and bullying had no place in the maritime industry and pledged the government’s commitment to building a maritime sector that would value, protect and empower seafarers.

The minister highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance the seafaring profession, including prioritising quality training, upgrading maritime institutions, and aligning seafarer education with international standards.

He said the government was also investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

The Minister noted that his ministry was building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.

According to him, the ministry is actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

The minister noted that a recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), set a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution.

“This agreement demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers”, he said.

He added, “Today, we celebrate you, our seafarers, not just for your labour but for your courage. We pledge to continue building a maritime sector that values, protects, and empowers you.” The Minister’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession is a welcome development for seafarers and the maritime industry as a whole”.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the importance of recognizing seafarers’ contributions to international trade and the global economy.

Dr. Mobereola noted that seafarers played a vital role in powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans.

He said, “Today provides an opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor Seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans. Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa, with many sailing on vessels in domestic waters and globally.

The DG revealed that the International Labour Conference recently approved seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, addressing issues such as protection against shipboard violence and harassment, access to shore leave, and medical safety standards.

Mobereola urged shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with the new amendments ahead of their expected entry into force in December 2027.

He said the agency would establish clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels and thorough investigations.

The NIMASA Director-General called on government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society to work together to foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment on ships.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and other stakeholders for their support.

(nation)