By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Godwin Oritse 

THE Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, yesterday handed down a December 15 deadline to Terminal operators in the nation’s Ports formations to clear all unpaid arrears to the Dockworkers or face dire consequences.

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President-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, who gave the deadline in an address to make the 2024 Dockworkers Day celebration, however, lauded the Managing Director of ENI Terminals and President of Seaports Terminals Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, for promising to clear all the arrears owed Dockworkers working in her terminals, saying this is leadership by example.”

Adeyanju directed the President of the Dockworkers’ Branch of MWUN, Ibrahim Ehize to “ensure that all arrears owed Dockworkers are paid on or before December 15, 2024.  I repeat, all the arrears must be paid on or before December 15, 2024. There will be consequences for those who failed to pay up.”      

According to him, “The work of dockworkers is mostly full of risks and hazards. They face hazards every day, from heavy machinery to harsh weather conditions and exposure to hazardous Cargo etc. This is why it is important to ensure that Dockworkers get the necessary training, are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.  

“We have experienced numerous accidents largely attributed to lack of personal protective equipment, PPE, and adequate rest period. Let it be emphasized that the non-provision of PPE is a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health – International Labour Organization, ILO.  

“As a union we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate PPE.  We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all Dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations. This policy will  provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.   Also, it is important to restate   the popular saying that “health is wealth”. It is on this premise  that we advocate the need for HMO for all Dockworkers in their places of work that will provide health insurance coverage for them and their immediate family.”  

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, among others, said : “At NIMASA, we believe that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental.”

l right. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every dockworker returns home safely at the end of each day. The hazards and challenges you face on the docks are immense, and it is imperative that we continuously strive to create a safer working environment for all.

“We have implemented rigorous safety protocols and continue to invest in training and technology to mitigate risks. However, the essence of safety lies in a culture where every individual is vigilant and proactive. Let us remember that safety is not a one-time effort but a constant commitment. By fostering a culture of safety, we protect not only ourselves but also our colleagues and our community.

“Efficiency is the engine that drives productivity and growth. In an industry where time is of the essence, your ability to perform tasks swiftly and accurately is paramount. “Efficiency Always” means adopting innovative practices, leveraging technology, and constantly seeking ways to improve our processes.

“NIMASA is committed to supporting you with the tools, resources, and training necessary to enhance efficiency. By working smarter, we not only boost our productivity but also ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of our maritime industry on the global stage.