Seafarers’ Day: Blue Economy Minister launches NIMASA Maritime Labour E-Platform

Honourable Minister  of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON inspecting a guard of honor mounted by seafarers at the NLNG jetty in during the commemoration of the 2025 Day of the Seafarer in Port Harcourt
 

In a major milestone towards building a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector, the Federal Government has launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital solution designed to revolutionize the governance of maritime labour in Nigeria.

Unveiled at the event marking the 2025 Day of the Seafarer in Port Harcourt Rivers State, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, described the platform as a transformative tool for labour administration.

“This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” the Minister said. “It offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralized system for maritime labour operations.”

R-L: The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari; Honourable Minister  of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata; Managing Director, NLNG Shipping Limited, Abdul Kadir Ahmed and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON during the 2025 Day of the Seafarer Celebration in Portharcourt

The Minister commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the initiative, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy.

Addressing this year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, Oyetola reiterated the government’s commitment to seafarers’ rights and safety:

“Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry. We are prioritizing quality training, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. Our commitment to the STCW Convention, including the latest anti-harassment amendments, ensures our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.”

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve seafarer welfare, including stricter oversight of recruitment and placement agencies, enhanced access to decent work, and collaboration with shipowners for fair treatment onboard. He praised the Collective Bargaining Agreement facilitated by NIMASA, unions, and industry stakeholders as a significant step toward better wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering support for Nigerian seafarers in line with international best practices.

“This year’s theme is a call to action. Our seafarers must feel safe, valued, and protected while at sea. Today reminds us that seafarers should not stand alone in their struggles; we must foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and abuse across all vessels,” Mobereola said.

L-R: Executive Director, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Engr. Olalekan Badmus; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Jibril Abba; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Director General NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, FM MBE, Olufemi Oloruntola and Director, Maritime Safety and Security, FM MBE, Babatunde Bombata  during the 2025 Day of the Seafarer Celebration in Port Harcourt.

He noted that Nigeria remains Africa’s largest contributor of seafarers, thanks to initiatives like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Dr. Mobereola pledged that NIMASA would continue to develop policies to prevent and address harassment onboard, ensure confidential reporting, and align with evolving international safety standards.

The event also featured goodwill messages from global maritime stakeholders, an award ceremony recognizing the resilience and contributions of outstanding Nigerian seafarers, and a visit to seafarers’ onboard ships by the Honorable Minister and his delegation