FG Launches E-Platform for Maritime Labour in Nigeria

On Wednesday, Nigeria launched a Seafarers E-platform in conjunction with Seafarers Day. The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, introduced the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Maritime Labour e-platform.

The platform serves as a central hub for all maritime labour documentation and regulations. It is also intended to maintain a centralised, real-time national database for planning and policy formulation.

At the Port Harcourt event, the Minister praised NIMASA’s initiative as a significant step toward a smarter, transparent, and efficient maritime sector.

The Minister stated that the e-platform serves as a portal that promotes digital governance, enhances service delivery, and fosters industry-wide innovation. It offers real-time data access, enhanced regulatory compliance, and a centralised system for labour administration.

“I commend NIMASA for this forward-looking initiative, which aligns perfectly with our Ministry’s vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy,” Oyetola stated, urging all stakeholders to embrace and utilise the platform.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Seafarers Day celebration, “My Harassment-Free Ship”,’ Oyetola expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession by promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.

Oyetola emphasised the government’s commitment to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships. These measures, he said, are crucial to ensure Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.

He said, “We are prioritising quality training by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programs, and aligning our seafarer education with international standards.”

Oyetola also detailed investments in seafarer welfare, including stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improved access to decent work, and collaboration with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

He added that the ministry is also developing digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, alongside advocacy for improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.

“The Ministry is also actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals. We are also advancing the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers. The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by NIMASA alongside industry unions and employers, sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution. NIMASA continues to enforce flag and port state controls, and promote Nigeria’s presence in global shipping, ensuring our seafarers are well-protected and respected internationally, ” he said.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, noted that Nigeria is the leading contributor of seafarers in Africa, with Nigerian men and women serving on vessels both within the country and internationally.

He stated that these measures are essential for maintaining the competitiveness and global employability of Nigerian seafarers. “We are focusing on quality training by improving maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programs, and aligning our seafarer education with international standards.”

Oyetola outlined investments in seafarer welfare, including regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, access to decent work, and collaboration with shipowners to ensure treatment and onboard safety.

He stated that the ministry is in the process of developing digital platforms designed to connect seafarers with support networks and global job opportunities. Additionally, the ministry is advocating for enhanced working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements.

The ministry supports Nigerian participation in international shipping to provide more sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

“We are improving the welfare and rights of Nigerian seafarers. The Collective Bargaining Agreement by NIMASA sets standards for fair wages, better working conditions, and dispute resolution. NIMASA enforces regulations and promotes Nigeria in global shipping to protect and respect our seafarers internationally,” he said.