The Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, has appealed to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to use the 0.5% stevedoring levy remitted by terminal operators for the training of dockworkers.
Haastrup emphasised that the levy is specifically designated for dockworkers training, but expressed disappointment that NIMASA has not utilised the funds for this purpose, despite the significant resources available.
She called on the agency to fulfil its responsibility and invest in the training of dockworkers.
Speaking at the 2024 Dockworkers Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Lagos on Thursday, Princess Haastrup also said that the Federal Government’s port concession programme has been a “transformative game-changer for dockworkers”, as it has led to improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration.
She equally observed that the STOAN, MWUN, and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which have ensured fair treatment, payment of living wages, and retirement benefits to dockworkers in the country.
“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, pension, gratuity, and bonuses. This is a monumental improvement over what obtained in the pre-concession era. The industry’s collective efforts have institutionalised fair labour practices, recognising the vital role dockworkers play in the maritime sector,” Haastrup remarked.
While delivering the key lecture at the event, the Managing Director of PTML Terminal, Mr Ascanio Russo, described dockworkers as the engine room of port operations.
He disclosed that in addition to prioritizing dockworkers’ welfare, PTML has sent some of its dockworkers abroad for training.
Russo argued that investment in the training of dockworkers will enable the ports function optimally and increase revenue generation to the government.
Meanwhile, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charged NIMASA to set up a training school for dockworkers.
