The Federal Government has warned that it will not tolerate any employer of labour in the maritime sector that fails to prioritise the welfare, safety and wellbeing of dockworkers, describing such obligations as fundamental to sustainable port operations.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the warning on Thursday at the 2026 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers Day held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” Oyetola said employers of dock labour must comply with all labour regulations, provide safe working environments, supply appropriate safety equipment, support skills development and uphold the rights and dignity of workers.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any employer of dock labour who fails to place the welfare, safety and wellbeing of workers at the centre of their operations,” the minister who was represented by the Managing Director of said.
According to him, the era when workers were treated as expendable assets has no place in Nigeria’s maritime industry, stressing that sustainable port operations can only be achieved when workers are protected, respected and empowered.
Oyetola described dockworkers as the backbone of port operations, noting that they play a critical role in cargo movement, trade facilitation and the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and productivity of dockworkers as part of efforts to grow the nation’s marine and blue economy.
The minister also called for greater commitment to environmentally sustainable port operations, saying the global maritime industry is increasingly embracing cleaner technologies and climate-conscious practices.
He noted that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind as ports around the world adopt greener technologies aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and minimising environmental impact.
Oyetola said the ministry would continue to support initiatives that promote cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management systems and environmental awareness across the maritime value chain.
“Achieving these objectives requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, regulators and, importantly, dockworkers themselves.
“Dockworkers are frontline participants in port activities and therefore have a critical role to play in promoting environmentally responsible practices. Through proper handling of cargo, adherence to safety and environmental standards, reduction of operational waste and support for green initiatives, they can contribute significantly to the development of cleaner and more sustainable ports, ” he said.
The Minister commended SCAN for sustaining the annual event and using the platform to recognise the contributions of dockworkers while encouraging discussions on the future of the maritime industry.
Earlier, Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, warned that the global shift toward green ports must not result in job losses or worker exclusion.
Noting that the global maritime industry is already witnessing major transformations, Adeyanju who is also the immediate past President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigerian ( MWUN) said the introduction of electric cargo handling equipment, automated systems, renewable energy solutions, digital logistics platforms, and environmentally friendly operational procedures is changing the way ports function.
“While these innovations offer significant environmental benefits, they also present challenges for workers. The transition to greener ports must not become an excuse for job losses, poor working conditions, or the exclusion of workers from decision – making processes,” he said.
He added, “Any conversation about green ports must place workers at the heart of policy formulation and implementation,”
In his keynote address, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, represented by the chamber’s Director-General, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, urged stakeholders to leverage ongoing port modernisation projects to transform Nigeria’s ports into sustainable, technology-driven facilities capable of competing globally.
He said sustainability had become a major factor influencing investment decisions, trade competitiveness and operational efficiency in the maritime industry.
According to Umar, the ports of the future will be defined not only by infrastructure but also by the people who operate them, particularly dockworkers who remain central to port activities.
He called for increased investment in energy-efficient infrastructure, electrified cargo-handling equipment, renewable energy solutions, smart port technologies, digital systems, environmental monitoring and stronger occupational safety standards.
“If we fail to integrate sustainability into current rehabilitation projects, we risk creating infrastructure that may become obsolete in an increasingly carbon-conscious global economy,” he warned.
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