THE Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN)has appealed to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to use the 0.5 percent stevedoring levy remitted by terminal operators for the training of dockworkers.
Speaking recently during the Dockworkers Day event organized by the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria (SCAN), STOAN Chairman, Princess Vicky Haarstrupemphasised that the levy is specifically designated for dockworkers training, but expressed disappointment that NIMASA has not utilised the funds for this purpose, despite the significant resources available.
Princess Haastrup also said that the Federal Government’s port concession program has been a transformative game-changer for dockworkers, as it has led to improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration.
“These positive impacts have significantly improved the livelihoods of dockworkers, enabling them to better support their families and communities,” she said.
She said that STOAN, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which have ensured fair treatment, payment of living wages, and retirement benefits to dockworkers in the country.
“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, pension, gratuity, and bonuses. This is a monumental improvement over what obtained in the pre-concession era. The industry’s collective efforts have institutionalized fair labour practices, recognising the vital role dockworkers play in the maritime sector.
“Every two years, STOAN and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, under the supervision of NIMASA, negotiate new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) under the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). These trail-blazing agreements are life-changing, as they have significantly enhanced dockworkers’ welfare, ensuring fair treatment, living wages, and retirement benefits. Unlike the pre-concession era, dockworkers now enjoy formal conditions of service as the average dockworker’s take-home pay has increased substantially. The CBA has also fostered industrial harmony at the ports,” she said.
She reiterated terminal operators’ commitment to the welfare of dockworkers, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of PTML Terminal, Mr. Ascanio Russodescribed dockworkers as the engine room of port operations.
He said in addition to prioritising their welfare, PTML has sent some of its dockworkers abroad for training.
