Speaking on Monday during the celebration of the 2018 Day Of The Seafarer in Warri, Delta State, Director -General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside stated that the agency would sign a review of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on the 28ih of June 2018.
According to Dakuku Peterside, “In line with this year’s theme, I wish to reiterate the need for employers of seafarers to ensure that they implement the contributory pension scheme for their workers. This is important because henceforth, the Agency will report erring employers to the Pension Commission for appropriate sanctions.
“It is also with great pleasure that I wish to inform you that the National Joint Industrial Council (NJlC) has concluded negotiations on the conditions of service of Nigerian Seafarers, including the minimum wages payable to all categories of seafarers.
“it is expected that the agreement will be signed by all parties on the 28th of June, 2018. in this regard, l wish to assure you that the Agency will go the whole length in ensuring that the CBA is implemented as agreed.
“This year’s theme has brought to the fore the need for employers to re-dedicate their efforts and resources towards enhancing the seafarers’ wellbeing in terms of making the workplace conducive with adequate provisions for the promotion of their mental health.
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“There is no doubt that Nigerians Seafarers are faced with a lot of challenges that are work-related and bordering on depression arising from lack of job opportunities and long hours of work without commensurate pay. ln most cases the seafarers work under strenuous conditions which they are subjected to by their employers.”
The DG also informed the gathering that the agency has trained over 2051 cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers development programme (NSDP).
He said the training of 2051 cadets were in addition to 500 cadets that have undergone sea time training across the country.
His words, “For the records, the Agency has so far trained over 2051 cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers development programme (NSDP). In addition to those who have already undergone their mandatory sea time training 500 have been earmarked for sea time training in 2018 fiscal year, while another 500 will undergo the training in 2019.
“Furthermore, 150 fresh cadets will benefit from the programme under the NSDP~3 which will commence in the next academic session. On the other hand, the Agency in May this year facilitated the training of 370 Nigerian Seafarers in relevant courses leading to certifications on Standard of Training Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW)), Oil tanker familiarization, Security Awareness (lSPS) Code, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB) and Dynamic Positioning.
“Let me also mention that 560 dockworkers also benefitted from the training programme an Occupational Safety and Health which was developed in line with the lLO’s Code of practice on OSH,” he revealed.
In his own presentation, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, thanked the management of NIMASA for sighting the Maritime University, Okerekonkwo in Delta State, and assured of the state’s support to ensure that the objectives of establishing the university are achieved.
Okowa, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro said the university, which has commenced operations would be a source of training more seafarers and add value to the national economy.
President, Maritime Workers’ Union (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju said seafaring is a demanding and risk progression carried out in a dangerous workplace- the sea.
He advised the Federal Government to facilitate the establishment of a national shipping carrier.
“We believe that if a national carrier is in place, it will solve some problems of seafarers and other workers,” he said.
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