Nigeria joined the global maritime community on Wednesday to mark the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession.
This came as the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola unveiled the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Maritime Labour e-platform.
The platform is designed to be a one-stop hub for all maritime labour documentation and regulation.
It also aimed at maintaining a centralized, real time national database for planning and policy formulation.
Speaking at the event, which held in Port Harcourt, the Minister lauded NIMASA for the bold initiative, describing it as a “major milestone in the nation’s journey toward a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector.”
He stated that the e- platform is “more than just a portal; it is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” offering real-time data access, enhanced regulatory compliance, and a centralized system for labor administration.
“I commend NIMASA for this forward-looking initiative, which aligns perfectly with our Ministry’s vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy,” Oyetola stated, urging all stakeholders to embrace and utilize the platform.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s seafarers day celebration, “My Harassment-Free Ship”’ Oyetola, expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession by promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
Oyetola emphasized the government’s commitment to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships.
These measures, he said, are crucial to ensure Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.
He said, “We are prioritizing quality training by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programs, and aligning our seafarer education with international standards,”
Oyetola also detailed investments in seafarer welfare, including stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improved access to decent work, and collaboration with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.
He added that the ministry is also developing digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, alongside advocacy for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.
“The Ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.
“We are also advancing the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers. The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by NIMASA alongside industry unions and employers, sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution. NIMASA continues to enforce flag and port state controls, and promote Nigeria’s presence in global shipping, ensuring our seafarers are well-protected and respected internationally, ” he said.
On his part, Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola stated that Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa, with Nigerian men and women sailing on vessels both domestically and globally.
He noted that this will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the efforts of maritime training institutions.
The NIMASA DG also highlighted the recent approval of seven amendments to the MLC 2006 code at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference, addressing issues from seafarers’ recognition as key workers to enhanced protection against shipboard violence and harassment.
“These seven amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping,” Mobereola stated, urging shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of their expected entry into force in December 2027.
He pledged that NIMASA would establish clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels and thorough investigations.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Francis Bunu, President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), praised the Minister and NIMASA for prioritizing the protection of seafarers’ rights and welfare.
He lauded the Minister’s move to resuscitate the National Shipping Line as a strong indication of the ministry’s commitment to the growth of seafarers in Nigeria.
However, he urged NIMASA to extend the celebration of seafarers beyond symbolic land-based events to onboard interactions with the seafarers themselves.
Bob Joseph Yousoh, President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association lamented that many Nigerian seafarers face harassment and bullying from foreign counterparts due to preferential treatment by employers and manning agents.
He appealed to NIMASA and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting this “abnormality,” given seafarers’ immense impact on global trade and their personal sacrifices.
Yousoh also called for shipping companies to have individual Collective Bargaining Agreements as stipulated in the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) for the purpose of a “free ship.”
“Harrassment and bullying from foreign counterparts affects Nigerian eafarers’ performance and mental health.
“Shipping companies and manning agents must treat seafarers right and adhere to this campaign against harassment. We will not accept excuses of culture, hierarchy, or tradition. Seafarers are not commodities; we are workers, humans, and rights-holders. Every crew member, every Officer, and every Manager must take ownership of this theme. It is not enough to be non-harassing we must be anti-harassment,” he said.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to seafarers who distinguished themselves through exceptional hardwork and contributions to the seafaring profession.
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