Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, led the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, marking the occasion with the launch of a landmark digital platform aimed at transforming maritime labour administration in the country.
The event, which drew key players from government, industry, and labour unions, was themed “My Harassment-Free Ship” — a call for dignity, safety, and respect for seafarers across global shipping routes.
In his keynote address, Minister Oyetola paid tribute to Nigerian seafarers, describing them as the “courageous engine” powering the maritime sector.
“This year’s theme underscores our shared duty to ensure every vessel is a safe and respectful workplace. Harassment and bullying have no place aboard any ship,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to seafarer welfare, Oyetola unveiled an ambitious reform agenda focused on training, global competitiveness, and digital innovation. According to the Minister, the government is prioritizing the modernization of maritime institutions, capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention — including recent amendments requiring mandatory anti-harassment training onboard ships.
He further noted ongoing investments in welfare policies, including stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, enhanced access to decent jobs, and expanded collaboration with shipowners to improve onboard safety.
“Through bilateral maritime agreements, we’re also boosting sea-time opportunities and advocating fair treatment for all Nigerian seafarers,” he said.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the NIMASA Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital hub designed to enhance transparency and streamline maritime labour administration.
“This is more than a portal; it’s a transformative tool for digital governance, efficient service delivery, and regulatory compliance,” Oyetola declared during the unveiling.
He praised the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its innovation and urged stakeholders to embrace the platform’s full potential in driving competitiveness and accountability within the sector.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of aligning Nigeria’s maritime labour framework with global best practices.
Citing the recent adoption of seven key amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Mobereola urged shipowners and crewing agencies to update their operational manuals ahead of the 2027 enforcement deadline.
“These amendments cover critical areas including recognition of seafarers as key workers, protections against shipboard harassment, improved access to shore leave and repatriation, and updated safety and medical standards,” he said.
He also stressed the need for a system that allows seafarers to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while guarding against abuse of the system through malicious complaints.
“A vessel is not merely a workplace; it is a temporary home. It must reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism,” Dr. Mobereola said.
The event was graced by top government officials including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni; and Chairperson, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim. CEOs of maritime agencies, union leaders, and other industry stakeholders were also in attendance.
The Day of the Seafarer celebration served not only as a recognition of the crucial role played by Nigerian seafarers in global trade but also as a renewed national pledge to uphold their rights, safety, and welfare in a rapidly evolving maritime world.
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