…As Maritime Workers Urges FG To Renew Expired Concession Agreements
KOREDE DAMIFOGO
Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Hastrup, 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.
Also, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), have expressed displeasure over the continuous delay in the renewal of the licenses of the terminal operators at the nation’s seaports.
Haastrup, the Executive Vice-chairman of ENL consortium also 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), title, “Dockworkers: Key To Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” in Lagos, on Thursday, Princess Haastrup also said that the Federal Government’s port concession program 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.
“These positive impacts have significantly improved the livelihoods of dockworkers, enabling them to better support their families and communities,” she said.
She said that the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, 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.
“Every two years, STOAN and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, under the supervision of NIMASA, negotiate new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) under the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). These trail-blazing agreements are life-changing, as they have significantly enhanced dockworkers’ welfare, ensuring fair treatment, living wages, and retirement benefits. Unlike the pre-concession era, dockworkers now enjoy formal conditions of service as the average dockworker’s take-home pay has increased substantially. The CBA has also fostered industrial harmony at the ports,” she said.
She reiterated terminal operators’ commitment to the welfare of dockworkers, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
She noted that dockworkers should be appreciated for supporting international trade and commerce, generating revenue for the government, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
Meanwhile, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), have expressed displeasure over the continuous delay in the renewal of the licenses of the terminal operators at the nation’s seaports.
The President-General of the Union, Com. Adewale Adeyanju, said the uncertainty surrounding the delay in terminal licence renewal is currently impacting negatively on port operations.
According to Adeyanju, the workers are determined to see the renewal of the licenses which have been long overdue.
He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the agreements are signed as soon as possible.
“We want to see the renewal of the licenses of terminal operators. There are a lot of dividends that we are getting from giving us responsible terminal operators. Why are you delaying the signing of their agreements?
“The workers are now warming up, because they are worried about what is happening to their employees,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Ascanio Russo, the Managing Director of PTML Terminal, described dockworkers as the engine room of port operations.
He said in addition to prioritising their welfare, PTML has sent some of its dockworkers abroad for training.
He said investment in the training of dockworkers will enable the ports function optimally and increase revenue generation to the government.
Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charged NIMASA to set up a training school for dockworkers.