Stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry have renewed calls for stronger protection, improved welfare and sustained investment in seafarers, acknowledging their critical role in global trade and national economic development.
The call was made during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
Held under the theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” the event brought together members of the National Assembly, policymakers, government officials, security agencies, labour unions and key industry stakeholders to highlight the indispensable contributions of seafarers and advocate for policies that safeguard their welfare.
Delivering the goodwill message of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, described the theme as a fitting reflection of the sacrifices made daily by seafarers.
He reaffirmed the Senate Committee’s commitment to supporting legislation that promotes maritime safety, enhances seafarers’ welfare, strengthens indigenous shipping and advances 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 Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting decent work, improving seafarers’ welfare and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime workforce under the Blue Economy agenda.
According to the Minister, investment in seafarers remains essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global maritime labour market.
L-R: President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Francis Bunu, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Director, Maritime safety and security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Makoji Musa; repressenting Honorable Minister, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Welcoming participants, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, observed that although seafarers facilitate more than 80 per cent of global trade, they continue to face numerous challenges, including occupational hazards, security threats and prolonged separation from their families.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), through which over 2,459 cadets have been trained.
Dr. Mobereola also disclosed that the adoption of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)/International Labour Organization (ILO) International Wage Scale into the Conditions of Service for Nigerian seafarers has resulted in wage increases of more than 150 per cent.
“NIMASA will continue to place the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers at the centre of our regulatory responsibilities because a resilient maritime industry can only be built on a motivated, well-trained and adequately protected workforce,” he stated.
L-R: Comrade Engineer Bob Joseph Yousuo, National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA); Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Francis Bunu during the celebration 2026
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, commended Nigerian seafarers for their invaluable contributions to national and international commerce.
He assured stakeholders of the Nigerian Navy’s continued collaboration with NIMASA to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensure safe, secure and efficient maritime operations.
President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, also commended NIMASA for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian seafarers, noting that the Agency’s interventions have significantly enhanced the capacity and global competitiveness of the country’s maritime workforce.
The event concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their support for NIMASA’s initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime safety, human capacity development and seafarers’ welfare as Nigeria continues its drive to become a leading maritime nation.
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