The Federal Government has unveiled a digital solution designed to revolutionize the governance of maritime labour in the country.
Described as a major milestone towards building a smarter, more transparent and efficient maritime sector, the digital solution is called Maritime Labour E-Platform.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, who unveiled it at the event marking the 2025 Day of the Seafarer in Port Harcourt Rivers State, described the platform as a transformative tool for labour administration.
His words: “This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation. It offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralized system for maritime labour operations.”
Oyetola also used the occasion to commend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the initiative, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, Oyetola reiterated the government’s commitment to seafarers’ rights and safety:
According to a statement issued by NIMASA Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie, the Minister said: “Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry. We are prioritizing quality training, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. Our commitment to the STCW Convention, including the latest anti-harassment amendments, ensures our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable.”
The statement which was shared with Maritime Bits quoted Oyetola highlighted ongoing efforts to improve seafarer welfare, including stricter oversight of recruitment and placement agencies, enhanced access to decent work, and collaboration with ship owners for fair treatment onboard. He praised the Collective Bargaining Agreement facilitated by NIMASA, unions, and industry stakeholders as a significant step toward better wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola in his remarks, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering support for Nigerian seafarers in line with international best practices.
“This year’s theme is a call to action. Our seafarers must feel safe, valued, and protected while at sea. Today reminds us that seafarers should not stand alone in their struggles; we must foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and abuse across all vessels,” Mobereola said.
He noted that Nigeria remains Africa’s largest contributor of seafarers, thanks to initiatives like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
He pledged that NIMASA would continue to develop policies to prevent and address harassment onboard, ensure confidential reporting, and align with evolving international safety standards.
The event also featured goodwill messages from global maritime stakeholders, an award ceremony recognizing the resilience and contributions of outstanding Nigerian seafarers, and a visit to seafarers’ onboard ships by Oyetola and his delegation
