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Maritime stakeholders have called for urgent reforms to improve the welfare, certification process and labour protection of Nigerian seafarers as the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) in Lagos.
Speaking as Chairman of the anniversary celebration, National President of NMNOWTSSA, Engr. Bob Yousuo, described the Maritime Labour Convention as a landmark instrument for safeguarding seafarers’ rights but stressed that Nigerian seafarers continue to face critical challenges requiring immediate government intervention.
He urged NIMASA to urgently resolve persistent delays in the issuance of Certificates of Competency (CoCs) and address regulatory bottlenecks that continue to hinder the career progression of seafarers.
According to Yousuo, repeated complaints over certification delays have become a recurring issue within the industry, calling on the agency’s leadership to implement lasting solutions.
He also underscored the strategic role of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) in protecting seafarers’ welfare and encouraged non-unionised seafarers to join recognised unions to strengthen collective bargaining and labour protection.
Commending the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board for creating a platform for dialogue among government agencies, employers and maritime professionals, Yousuo said the initiative would enhance awareness of seafarers’ rights and responsibilities while advancing decent working conditions in line with the provisions of MLC 2006.
President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, called on young seafarers to seek mentorship from experienced master mariners to better understand the realities of the profession.
He recalled the tragic loss of 24 crew members aboard MV Gurara and paid tribute to seafarers who continued to sustain global trade during the COVID-19 pandemic despite operating under difficult conditions and in conflict-prone waters, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Alao urged governments and international maritime organisations to strengthen safety measures and welfare support for seafarers in recognition of the enormous risks associated with the profession.
Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, applauded Nigerian seafarers for their invaluable contributions to national economic development and pledged the Council’s continued support for initiatives that promote their welfare and professional growth.
Representing NIMASA, Deputy Director of Maritime Labour, Dr. Emmanuel Alfred, assured participants that the Agency remains committed to protecting seafarers’ rights. He encouraged seafarers facing harassment, intimidation or unfair labour practices to report such incidents to NIMASA, noting that the Agency is prepared to engage shipowners to resolve grievances.
Dr. Alfred also advised seafarers to embrace continuous professional development and regular training to remain competitive in an evolving global maritime industry.
During an interactive session, several seafarers highlighted the economic pressures, certification challenges and operational difficulties confronting the profession, calling on NIMASA and other maritime stakeholders to expand access to training opportunities, accelerate certification processes and strengthen welfare programmes.
The anniversary celebration reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to the effective implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) in Nigeria, with renewed calls for stronger collaboration to guarantee decent work, improved welfare standards and sustainable career development for Nigerian seafarers.
