Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for stronger protection, improved welfare and sustained investment in seafarers, recognising their indispensable role in global trade and economic growth.
The call was made at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
The event which was held under the theme “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk” brought together National Assembly members, policy makers, government officials, security agencies, labour unions and other industry stakeholders. It provided an opportunity for deliberation on the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade and the need to sustain enhanced welfare for them.
Delivering the National Assembly’s goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, described the theme as a fitting reflection of the sacrifices made by seafarers and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to legislation that promotes maritime safety, seafarers’ welfare, indigenous shipping and maritime education.
“Seafarers are indispensable to international trade and deserve policies that guarantee their safety, welfare and professional advancement. The National Assembly will continue to support legislative initiatives that strengthen the maritime sector and position Nigerian seafarers to compete effectively in the global shipping industry,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety & Security in the Ministry Mr. Makoji Musa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving seafarers’ welfare, promoting decent work and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime workforce under the Blue Economy agenda.
“Seafarers remain the backbone of global trade, and this administration will continue to pursue policies that protect their welfare, enhance their skills and position them for greater opportunities in the international maritime labour market. Investment in our seafarers is an investment in Nigeria’s economic future,” the Minister stated.
Welcoming participants, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that despite facilitating over 80 per cent of global trade, seafarers continue to face occupational hazards, security threats and prolonged separation from their families.
He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which guarantees seafarers’ welfare and the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), under which more than 2,459 cadets have been trained. He also disclosed that the adoption of the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization International Wage Scale into the Conditions of Service for Nigerian seafarers has resulted in wage increases of over 150 per cent.
“NIMASA will continue to place the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers at the center of our regulatory responsibilities because a resilient maritime industry can only be built on a motivated, well-trained and adequately protected workforce,” Dr Mobereola said.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, commended Nigerian seafarers for their immense contributions to national and global commerce. He assured participants of the Nigerian Navy’s continued collaboration with NIMASA in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and supporting efforts aimed at ensuring safe, secure and efficient maritime operations.
President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA for its unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian seafarers, noting that the Agency’s interventions continue to enhance the capacity and global relevance of the nation’s maritime workforce.
Stakeholders pledged continued support for NIMASA’s efforts to enhance maritime safety, human capacity development and seafarers’ welfare as Nigeria advances its aspiration to become a leading maritime nation.
