The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said that agency was set to enforce full implementation of the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulation 2014.
The Head, Corporate Communications Team, Hajia Lami Tumaka, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, said that the director-general disclosed this at a one-day Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Seminar on NIMASA Stevedoring Regulation, 2014.
The director-general said that the enforcement of NIMASA Stevedoring Regulation 2014.would strengthen stevedoring operations in all dock labour operational areas.
Peterside said that the regulation prescribed standards for the appointment and operations of stevedoring services at the ports, terminals, jetties, onshore or off shore oil and gas or bonded terminal, Inland Containers Depots (ICDs) or dry ports, off dock terminals and platforms within the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Represented by the agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Gambo Ahmed, the director-general said that NIMASA would continue to ensure a conducive working environment for employers of maritime labour in line with international best practices.
“Let me assure you that the agency under my watch will strive to create the enabling environment for maritime labour employers to operate in line with International best practices.
“As a competent authority for the implementation of International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and regulations, the agency will also conduct its maritime related affairs in the spirit of tripartism and consultation with all relevant stakeholders aimed at promoting a decent work agenda and moving the industry forward,’’ Peterside said.
The director-general reminded stakeholders of the need to adhere to high safety standards in their operations in order to stem the tide of industrial accidents in the ports, jetties and terminals.
He also implored operators and dock labour employers to ensure that their workers are adequately remunerated, adding that it would go a long way in enhancing productivity in all aspects of the industry.
Peterside also solicited the cooperation of stakeholders in the industry and reiterated the agency’s commitment toward moving the maritime industry to greater heights by emphasising best internationally acceptable operational practices.
According to him, this is with a view to ensuring that the relevant provisions of the Law and International Conventions and Instruments are implemented to the letter.
Stakeholders at the event include: the President of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies (NASC), Mr Bolaji Sunmola and Otunba Kunle Folarin of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC).
The stakeholders welcomed the sensitisation programme and called for effective implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA Stevedoring Regulation 2014.
The Regulation as gazetted by the Federal Government is in consonance with the powers conferred on the minister by section 25 (l) of NIMASA Act, 2007.
It was developed pursuant to relevant sections of the NIMASA Act, 2007 (part viii), section 27 (i) and NPA Act, Section 7 (e) (ii) after due consultation with relevant stakeholders. (NAN)