src=”https://www.newsthumbmagazineng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_0114.jpeg” alt=”” width=”828″ height=”542″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-13675″ />On Friday, August 23, 2024, the Nigeria Shipper’s Council, led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, and other stakeholders, signed an Agreement on Minimum Conditions of Service of Labor for the Shipping Industry in Nigeria. This agreement reflects the trajectory of the current administration and demonstrates our collective commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in the industry. By establishing these minimum conditions of service, the Federal Government is taking several critical steps:

He said, “It is a great delight for me to witness this significant occasion of the signing of the Agreement on Minimum Conditions of Service for Labor in the Shipping Industry in Nigeria.”

This pivotal event marks yet another milestone in our commitment to ensuring that the foundations of the Marine and Blue Economy are built on principles of fairness, respect, and sustainability.

The maritime sector is a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, and it is of utmost importance that the workforce is treated with dignity and provided with the necessary conditions to thrive. In this regard, operators have the immense responsibility to nurture and protect the maritime workforce and all those who contribute to the vibrancy of the blue economy.

The shipping industry, as we know, is not merely a means of transporting goods; it plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, creating jobs, contributing significantly to the GDP, and enabling economic growth.

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we have developed a four-year Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Implementation Plan for both the Ministry and the agencies under it. We have also commissioned key infrastructure projects that have increased the operational efficiency in the handling of imports and exports cargoes.

Enhancing Worker Welfare: We guarantee that every worker in the shipping sector enjoys decent working conditions, fair remuneration, job security, and access to necessary welfare benefits.
Promoting Safety Standards: Through this agreement, we commit to prioritizing safety and health standards, ensuring that workers are provided with the necessary training and resources to operate in secure environments.
Encouraging Fair Competition: Uniform standards will guarantee a level playing field among employers in the maritime sector, thereby discouraging exploitation and promoting ethical practices in the industry.
Fostering Trust and Cooperation: This agreement is a culmination of extensive dialogue among stakeholders—Government as represented by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Shipping Companies/Agencies, Clearing and Freight Forwarding Employers Association of Nigeria (SCAFEA), and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). The Agreement exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect, paving the way for a more united and resilient maritime sector.
Draft minimum service standards for shipping lines/agents that require full adherence to shipping regulations, protocols, and conventions have recently been developed and pre-validated by stakeholders. As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders uphold the tenets of this agreement. I urge employers in the industry to embrace these conditions as a catalyst for fostering a positive work environment.

I enjoin the labor unions to remain responsible but vibrant in advocating for the rights of workers by ensuring compliance with the agreed standards. The government will, on its part, continue to provide oversight by providing the enabling environment for compliance and continuous improvement.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy takes this opportunity to recognize and thank everyone who contributed to the development of this agreement—the Executive Secretary/CEO and Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the leaderships of both the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Shipping Companies/Agencies Clearing and Freight Forwarding Employers Association (SCAFEA), industry leaders, and importantly, the workers who articulated their needs and aspirations. Your voices have been heard, and today marks a significant step in transforming those aspirations into reality.

In conclusion, I celebrate this achievement as a milestone in our journey toward a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable maritime industry in Nigeria. Together, we can forge a future where the contributions of our workforce are recognized and validated—a future where every worker feels valued and empowered.

I thank you for your commitment to this cause, and I look forward to our collective effort to bring this agreement to fruition.

The event was well-attended by the Honorable Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Chairman of the Shipping Companies/Agencies Clearing and Freight Forwarding Employers Association (SCAFEA), the Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), and all stakeholders in the Shipping Industry.