"PLEASE PERMIT ME TO STAND ON ALREADY ESTABLISHED PROTOCOL

"PLEASE PERMIT ME TO STAND ON ALREADY ESTABLISHED PROTOCOL

I am honored to stand before you today to celebrate a very special day -Dockworkers' Day. on behalf of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), I extend our warmest appreciation to the Director General, the board, and management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency [NIMASA] for organizing, recognizing and annualizing the Dock Workers Day. This day is a testament to the crucial hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of Dockworkers who toil day and night to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of our ports.

Comrades, invited guests, ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to start off by appreciating the Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy - Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for supporting the process that has led to the event of today and the celebration of Dock workers. His willingness to engage and listen is unprecedented and unrivalled.

We also applaud Dr. Dayo Mobereola - Director General, NIMASA, and his team for putting together and sustaining this wonderful programme which notes that Dockworkers are an integral part of port operations.

I also convey our gratitude to the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority - Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho,; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council - Barr. Pius Akutah, MON; Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority - Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for their robust engagement with stakeholders which has ushered in far reaching transformation of the Maritime industry.

Importantly Comrades, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the membership and executives of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, I convey our gratefulness to our employers in the assembly of the Seaports Terminals Operators Association of Nigeria [STOAN] under the able leadership of Dr. Princess Vicky Haastrup and the National Association of Stevedoring Operators [NASO] led by Bolaji Sunmola; for providing the enabling environment where we make a living.

As we gather here today, we are reminded of the important role that Dockworkers play in the maritime industry. The duty of a Dockworker is not just merely about loading and off - loading cargo; but also, about ensuring safety and efficiency of our ports.

This year's theme, "Safety First, Efficiency Always," is a clarion call to all stakeholders in the maritime industry to prioritize safety and efficiency in all their operations. As dockworkers, we are the backbone of the industry, and our safety and well-being are of paramount importance and should therefore be given due importance.

The work of Dockworkers is mostly full of risks and hazards. They face hazards every day, from heavy machinery to harsh weather conditions and exposure to hazardous cargo etc. This is why It is important to ensure that Dock workers get the necessary training, are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

I wish to note that we have experienced numerous accidents largely attributed to lack of personal protective equipment [PPE] and adequate rest period. Let it be emphasized that the non-provision of PPE is a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health - International Labour Organization [ILO].

As a union, we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of Dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment. We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all Dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations. This policy will provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.

Also, it is important to restress the popular saying that "health is wealth". It is on this premise that we advocate the need for HMO for ALL Dockworkers in their places of work that will provide health insurance coverage for them and their immediate family.

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria [MWUN] will continue to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and fair compensation for all Dockworkers and other categories of our members. We will also work closely with other stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Shipping companies and Government Agencies, to ensure that our ports are safe, efficient, and productive.

It is important to equally draw the attention of Government to resuscitation of Tally Clerks and onboard Gangway Security Men which forms an integral part of Dockworkers in accordance with section 27 of NIMASA Act 2007. Meanwhile, we urge the Nigeria Customs Service to extend a hand a fellowship, collaborate and synergize with Dockworkers and the Union in the area of customs examination to forestall the importation of hard drugs.

However, despite the shortcomings of port concessioning, it has brought in improved security, lighting of the terminals, the ports are now better secured for cargo and safe for port workers. It has also led to better welfare and remuneration of Dockworkers. On this note I wish to appreciate the Nigerian Ports Authority particularly under the leadership of Chief Adebayo Sarunmi who was instrumental to initiating the Condition of Service for Dockworkers.

Finally, as we celebrate Dockworkers' Day today let us remember the importance of safety and efficiency in all our operations. Let us renew our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well being of all dockworkers. And let us work together to build a maritime industry that is safe, efficient and prosperous for all.

Thank You.

Long live the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria!!

Long live Nigeria Labour Congress!!!

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!!"