Nigeria has formally endorsed amendments to eight Codes of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
The amendments cover areas including the protection of seafarers against discrimination; recognition of seafarers as key workers; improved access to shore-based welfare services; shipboard violence, harassment, and bullying; as well as accommodation and recreational facilities onboard vessels.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, led Nigeria’s delegation to the 5th Special Tripartite Committee meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland. There, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and protection of seafarers.
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Dr Mobereola praised the ILO for fostering dialogue on maritime labour standards, reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring decent working and living conditions for seafarers. He highlighted the recent approval of a new minimum wage for seafarers, in accordance with ILO standards.
Additionally, Dr Mobereola used the occasion to reinforce Nigeria’s campaign for election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, with elections scheduled for November/December this year.
He noted that Nigeria’s inclusion would enhance Africa’s representation and influence in shaping international maritime policies, particularly in promoting fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and technical cooperation.
The Special Tripartite Committee is composed of representatives from countries that have ratified the MLC 2006, most of whom also participate in International Maritime Organisation meetings.
This marks the first time Nigeria is significantly expanding the scope of its campaign to engage strategically with key international agencies.
