NIMASA to enforce full implementation of stevedoring regulations —DG

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside has disclosed that the agency is set to enforce the full implementation of the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulation, 2014 in order to strengthen stevedoring operations in all Dock Labour operational areas in the country.

The DG made this disclosure at a one day Stakeholders’ sensitization seminar on the NIMASA (Stevedoring) Regulation, 2014, held in Lagos.

Delivering a welcome address, Dr Peterside stated that the regulation which prescribes standard for the appointment and operations of Stevedoring services at the ports, terminals, jetties, Onshore or Offshore Oil and Gas or Bonded Terminal, Inland Containers Depots (ICDs), Off Dock Terminals, Dry Ports and Platforms within the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Represented by the Agency’s Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Gambo Ahmed, the DG said that NIMASA will continue to ensure conducive working environment for employers of maritime labour in the industry in line with international best practices.

“Let me assure you that the agency under my watch will strive to create the enabling environment for maritime labour employers to operate in line with International best practices. As a competent authority for the implementation of International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and regulations, the agency will also conduct its maritime related affairs in the spirit of tripartism and consultation with all relevant Stakeholders aimed at promoting a decent work agenda and moving the industry forward.”

Stakeholders at the event including the President of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies (NASC) Mr Bolaji Sunmola and Otunba Kunle Folarin of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC) welcomed the sensitisation programme and called for effective implementation and enforcement of its provisions.