MWUN demands improved dockworkers’ safety, resuscitation of tally clerks at ports

The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, has urged the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to prioritize and improve the safety and working conditions of workers across the nation’s ports.

Speaking in Lagos at the 2025 Day of the Dockworkers event on Tuesday, themed “Safe Ports, Safe Ships,” Bunu called on NIMASA and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to enforce safety standards and regulations at ports, terminals, jetties, and oil and gas platforms.

He noted that while the ports are secure in terms of security, the working environment and safety of workers needs to be improved upon.

“We are talking about safety of workers while they are working. In terms of security, the ports are safe but the workers working condition is what we urged the government to improve on. We are calling on NIMASA and NPA to synergise and set up a task force to enforce safety regulations at the ports…The industry players should provide workers with all the safety apparatus” he said.

Bunu also highlighted other areas for improvement including provision of health and welfare facilities, enhancement of renumerations and allowances, enforcement of uniform condition of service, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), standard employment practices, as well as the provision of training to help dockworkers handle new innovations and bigger ships.

The MWUN PG announced that the current National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement for dockworkers will soon expire, after which the Union plans to push for an improved remuneration.

“Dockworkers constitute the foundation upon which the nation’s port economy thrives as they remain important in international trade facilitation, cargo handling and overall maritime development and to continue to undermine them will be inimical to the well being of our nation’s economy and must therefore be put up for redress, ” he said.

Meanwhile, the MWUN PG has again call on the government to reconstitute the pool of Tally Clerks and on-board ship Gangway security men.

“Without the on-board Tally Clerks and on-board ship Gangway security men, the work of the port is incomplete,” Bunu stated, explaining that their presence is vital for the government to accurately track what is going in and out of the port and determine the appropriate tonnage.

In his remarks, the President of the National Stevedoring Operators Association (NASO), Mr. Bolaji Sumola also corroborated the MWUN PG’s position on the recall of on- board tally clerks.

He said, “Our economy is bleeding without the service of the tally clerks.”

Sumola also called for a review and strengthening of the 2014 Stevedoring Guidelines to better regulate the evolving nature of both offshore and onshore operations.

“What we have as guidelines is since 2014 and now 2025 more than 10years into that it is important that we strengthen our relationship, strengthen our laws both for the offshore and onshore which are always evolving.

“It is important that the laws are strengthened, the working operation strengthened, and also look forward to a big collaboration with NIMASA in terms of visitations to these partners.

“We at NASO, will continue to do our best, respecting the safety of dockworkers, respecting the healthiness of dockworkers, to contribute our quota to the economy of this nation, ” he said.

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the dockworkers immense contributions to the nation’s economy and reaffirmed government’s commitment to their safety.

“To our dockworkers, your labour is the engine of this industry. Your contribution is valuable. Your safety is non negotiable,” he said.

Highlighting the steps by the government to improve working conditions of dockworkers across the nation’s ports, the minister said, “Earlier this year, the National Policy of Maritime and Blue Economy was approved by the Federal Executive Council. This policy emphasises workers’ welfare, port safety, strengthens regulation, enhances compliance and prioritises risk mitigation measures.

“Port regulation and modernisation efforts are also underway to ensure that our facilities meet global standards, reduce turnaround time, and minimise exposure to human hazards.

“Furthermore, the federal government has initiated safety and capacity building programmes, including the provision of modern protective equipment for dock workers as part of its commitments. Through NIMASA we are enriching and enhancing capabilities and developing professional development schemes.”

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Igbinose, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ILO’s Decent Work Principles, stressing the importance of occupational safety and health as a fundamental right at work.

He noted that the nation’s maritime sector has the potential to contribute in excess of US$44 billion annually to the GDP, a potential that is inconceivable without the invaluable contributions of dock workers.

Representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) , Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) all paid tribute to the dockworkers dedication, affirming their commitment to a safe, fair, and healthy working environment.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding dockworkers including the President General of MWUN for sustaining the industrial peace and harmony at the nation’s ports.

Photo caption:

Mrs Jean Chiazor, Anishere SAN, presenting an award to MWUN PG, Comrade Francis Bunu for sustaining industrial peace at the nation’s port during the 2025 Dockworkers Day celebration in Lagos on Tuesday.