The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its confidence in the newly introduced Maritime Labour E-Platform, describing it as a decisive step towards strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime arena.
At a hands-on workshop in Lagos, the agency brought together seafarers, dockworkers, employers and other industry participants to demonstrate how the portal functions, offering real-time guidance on registration, verification and the issuance of digital identity cards.
The session provided users with practical exposure to the system’s capabilities while also addressing the broader support required for a seamless transition, including targeted training, enhanced cybersecurity safeguards and a phased implementation strategy.
These measures, NIMASA noted, are essential to ensuring that all maritime workers can adapt comfortably to the digitised process.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, highlighted the transformative potential of the platform in aligning Nigeria with global digital standards.
Represented by the Director of the Maritime Labour Services Department, Ibrahim Umar Sidi, he explained that the e-platform builds on the successful nationwide registration of dockworkers in 2022 and now offers an integrated system that brings all maritime labour registration under one secure digital umbrella.
According to him, the adoption of biometric identity cards and centralised data management will cut bureaucratic delays, provide immediate access to accurate records, and support Nigeria’s adherence to international labour obligations.
Abba further underscored that the initiative is firmly rooted in the agency’s legal and regulatory responsibilities.
He referenced Section 27(1)(a) of the NIMASA Act 2007, which mandates the comprehensive documentation of maritime workers and operators, and pointed to the platform’s compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, widely regarded as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights”.
By strengthening worker protection, improving transparency and enhancing the reliability of labour records, he noted, the platform reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to international standards while driving progress in the nation’s expanding Blue Economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, formally unveiled the Maritime Labour E-Platform during the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebrations in Port Harcourt.
At the launch, the Minister described the system as a transformative tool that would reshape the administration of maritime labour, eliminate longstanding inefficiencies and position Nigeria as a more attractive hub for maritime investment and talent.
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