The chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, over the weekend, said that the 2006 Nigeria’s port concession programme has been a transformative game-changer which has increased job security and improved remuneration and welfare for dockworkers.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of Dockworkers’ Day organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), in conjunction with Marítime Workers Union Of Nigeria (SCAN), titled, ‘Dockworkers: Key To Unlocking Nigeria Blue Economy’, Haastrup commended dockworkers for their skills, expertise, and dedication to facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.
She stated that as the unsung heroes of the maritime industry, dockworkers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation of the nation’s ports. She emphasised that their skills, expertise, and dedication facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.
Haastrup applauded SCAN for initiating and organising the Dockworkers’ Day, saying: “Your pioneering idea of shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes of our ports is truly praiseworthy, and your dedication to annually celebrating their vital role is truly laudable.”
She said by introducing private sector expertise and investment at the port, the port concession has improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration, and provided training and development opportunities.
According to her, these positive impacts have significantly improved the livelihoods of dockworkers, enabling them to better support their families and communities.
Prior to the 2006 port concession programme, she said dockworkers faced numerous challenges, including poor remuneration, lack of conditions of service, and lack of identifiable employers.
Adding that their safety was often neglected, leading to exploitation, dehumanisation, and underpayment, she said the federal government’s bold move to reform and concession the ports has transformed the industry.
Haastrup, however stated that, the STOAN, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), noting that these agreements ensured fair treatment, living wages, and retirement benefits, thereby giving dockworkers a new lease on life.
“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, workmen compensation, pension, gratuity, and bonuses,” she said.
Stating that the, “impact is evident”, Haastrup said the average dockworker’s take-home pay has increased substantially and the CBA has also fostered industrial harmony at the ports.
Also speaking, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah, urged terminal operators to prioritise Investment in the welfare of dockworkers.
Akutah maintained that it is vital to adopt a culture of continued investment in the welfare, safety, and professional development of dockworkers.
The Shippers’ Council boss who specially commended SCAN for amplifying the voices of dockworkers and fostering collaboration within the maritime sector, added that Shippers’ Council remains committed to working with stakeholders to enhance efficiency, productivity, and the well-being of those who keep our ports running.
“Dockworkers are the backbone of the maritime sector, and your empowerment is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of the industry. Your dedication to the cause of the industry ensures the seamless operation of our ports and the steady flow of goods essential for national trade and prosperity.
“By facilitating the smooth handling of cargo, you are instrumental in boosting international trade, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and attracting foreign investment,” the NSC boss said.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and former managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi noted that despite welfare concerns that greeted the port concession in 2006, private operators have significantly improved dockworkers welfare.
“Terminal operators directly take charge of training and capacity building in that it impacts positively on productivity and their earnings through increased throughput. Considering all the locations in which dock labour is used, including ports, jetties, terminals, oil rigs, platforms, etc. – it is safe to say that it is critical to significantly improving the Blue Economy,” Chief Sarumi posited.
On his part, the president general of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju admonished the operators and regulatory agencies to properly vet the personalities selected to train dockworkers.
According to the MWUN President General, some of the personalities selected to train maritime workers only have academic knowledge of the port industry instead of hands-on experience about port business.
While commending the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NSC leadership for the new minimum wage and conditions of service for shipping operators, nevertheless, he observed that the new terms are yet to kick-off and encouraged the Ministry and NSC to intervene.