Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on employers in Nigeria’s maritime sector to place greater emphasis on dockworkers’ welfare, workplace safety, skills development, and compliance with labour regulations, stressing that sustainable port operations cannot be achieved without protecting and empowering workers.
Oyetola made the call on Thursday during the SCAN Dockworkers’ Day 2026, organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.
Represented by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the minister said dockworkers remain central to the success of Nigeria’s maritime industry and the country’s transition towards environmentally sustainable port operations.
According to him, the welfare, dignity, and protection of dockworkers must remain a priority for employers and industry stakeholders.
“Worker welfare must come first. Treating workers as expendable is unacceptable. Sustainable ports require protected, respected and empowered dockworkers at all levels,” Oyetola said.
The minister described dockworkers as the backbone of port operations, noting that they play a critical role in cargo handling, trade facilitation, and the efficient movement of imports and exports.
“Without their commitment and professionalism, ports cannot function effectively. Every container handled and every vessel serviced reflects their hard work and dedication,” he said.
The event, themed “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” focused on the role of workers in advancing environmentally responsible and efficient port operations.
Oyetola noted that the global maritime industry is increasingly embracing cleaner technologies and sustainable practices aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and minimising environmental impact.
However, he stressed that achieving these objectives requires investment in human capital alongside investments in infrastructure and technology.
The minister pledged continued support for training and retraining initiatives designed to equip dockworkers with the skills required to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving environmental standards within the industry.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management systems, and environmental awareness programmes across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to Oyetola, collaboration among employers, regulators, labour unions, shipping companies, terminal operators, and dockworkers will be essential to achieving sustainable port operations.
Also speaking at the event, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Ukeyima, said workers have a pivotal role to play in Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading maritime hub.
Represented by Deputy Director of the Trade Services Department, Hannah Adaba, Ukeyima said dockworkers’ daily activities directly influence workplace safety, environmental protection, resource utilisation, and overall port efficiency.
He noted that ports around the world are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and urged stakeholders to ensure that workers are adequately supported throughout the transition.
Ukeyima also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting workers’ welfare and safety, expressing optimism that deliberations from the event would generate practical recommendations for cleaner, safer, and more sustainable port operations.
The renewed emphasis on worker welfare comes amid growing discussions within the maritime industry about balancing environmental sustainability objectives with decent work, occupational safety, and continuous skills development for dockworkers.
