Cracking down on unregistered dockworkers

NIMASA issues warning to oil companies

NIGERIA: The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has advised International Oil Companies, terminal and jetty operators, and all other companies involved in stevedoring in the country to refrain from engaging unregistered dockworkers.

Announcing a 30 day moratorium period, NIMASA is encouraging companies to apply for new operating licences or renew expired one as per the requirements of the NIMASA Act of 2007 and outlined in the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulations of 2014, which mandates strict compliance from all maritime operators.

The Agency’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola noted the need for stakeholders to comply, stating, “No terminal or company shall continue to engage the services of unregistered dockworkers for cargo handling at their work locations. This move is part of our broader effort to ensure safe and regulated operations within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“Compliance with these regulations will enhance our ability to maintain an up-to-date database of dockworkers operating in the country. It also improves our planning processes, as we are committed to developing their capacity to meet globally accepted standards for dockworkers in Nigeria. We intend to enforce full compliance after the moratorium period,” he added.

The NIMASA Act, 2007, Part IX, Section 27, addresses the registration of Dockworkers which focuses on Maritime Labour. It ensures the Registration, Regulation, and control of Maritime Labour, including dockworkers. The Act assigns the Agency the responsibility of maintaining standards in accordance with international best practices.

PHOTO SOURCE: Adobe Photostock