The Federal Government of Nigeria through its Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has continued its advocacy for the formal designation of seafarers as key workers. This, the government explained, would ensure legal protection, and a harmonised framework between the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) that supports safe working conditions for Seafarers and other Maritime professionals.

Speaking at the 353rd session of the ILO governing body taking place between the 10th and 20th of March 2025, the Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola who represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, said the role of seafarers and workers in the maritime industry must be recognised, held in high esteem, and treated fairly, considering their critical contributions to global trade and non-stop supply chain maintenance.

?We recognize that the world?s economy depends heavily on seafarers and maritime professionals who operate vessels, facilitate port operations, and ensure the seamless movement of goods across international waters. However, these key workers often face labour rights challenges, including unfair employment conditions, restricted mobility, and lack of access to adequate welfare provisions issues that were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

?It is in this regard that Nigeria has been at the forefront, both within ILO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), advocating for the formal designation of seafarers as key workers. This recognition is essential to ensuring: Legal protection for seafarers, port workers, pilots, and marine surveyors under both ILO and IMO conventions; Guaranteed priority access to medical care, vaccines, and mobility rights during public health crises and emergencies; Fair and equitable treatment in labour contracts, ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006),? Oyetola said.

He emphasised the need for a harmonized framework between the ILO, IMO, and WHO that supports safe working conditions, prevents labour exploitation, and reinforces international labour standards across the maritime sector, noting that, as the largest supplier of seafarers and port workers in Africa, Nigeria plays a critical role in sustaining global trade and ensuring supply chain resilience, hence its concern and insistence on giving maritime workers a fair playing ground.

Oyetola told the session that the agenda which include deliberations on global labour policies and country-specific developments under the ILO?s supervisory procedures, the Programme and Budget for 2026-2027, decent work in supply chains, the Global Framework on Chemicals, and country-specific labour developments, resonates strongly with Nigeria?s priorities, particularly in the maritime and blue economy sector.

On the country?s efforts to boost the growth of its shipping industry and the welfare of maritime workers to global best standards, Oyetola said, ?Nigeria has taken bold steps domestically to improve the welfare of its maritime workforce. Through our National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), we have expanded training opportunities and improved employment pathways for Nigerian seafarers, enhancing their competitiveness in the global shipping industry. We have also strengthened port security, compliance with international safety standards, and labour rights enforcement, ensuring that our maritime workers operate under dignified, fair, and secure conditions.

The Minister also intimated the ILO governing body of Nigeria?s intention to contest for a seat in the IMO Council?s Category C, which will give the country a chance to, ?Advocate for stronger global regulations that protect maritime labour rights, push for enhanced technical cooperation and capacity-building for developing nations, and strengthen Africa?s voice in shaping IMO policies that promote fair labour conditions, sustainable maritime practices, and enhanced security in international waters.

He said: ?In light of Nigeria?s commitment to the policies and guidelines of the ILO, IMO, and WHO, Nigeria has decided to reinforce its dedication to these esteemed international agencies. The country intends to play a more significant role in ensuring that Nigeria and Africa are visible in the international community. For this reason, Nigeria will be contesting for a seat in Category C of the IMO Council in the 2026-2027 biennium.

He further pledged Nigeria?s commitment to collaborate with global stakeholders to ensure a better future for shipping, global supply chains and strengthening global maritime labour policies. ?Nigeria stands ready to work closely with all partners to drive policies that prioritize the welfare, dignity, and protection of seafarers and port workers. We urge the international community to support Nigeria?s vision at both the ILO and IMO, ensuring that Africa?s largest maritime workforce is recognized, protected, and empowered for the benefit of global trade and economic stability. Together, let us build a maritime industry that is not only secure and sustainable but also just and equitable for all those who serve at sea and in ports worldwide.?

?PHOTO: Regional Advisor and ILO Expert, Dr Amos Kuje; Director Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba; Head of Protocol NIMASA, Nancy Olouha and SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations, Olatunji Ahmed during the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva.

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