Maritime Lawyer Urges Nigerian-Flagged Vessels To Enforce Anti-Harassment Policies Aligned With MLC 2006

The Managing Partner of Maritime and Commercial Law Chambers, Barr. Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara, has emphasized the need for Nigerian-flagged vessels to implement anti-harassment measures, risk assessments, training, and confidential grievance mechanisms in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 on occupational safety and health.

Nwagbara made this observation in a keynote presentation at the 2025 Day of the Seafarers event themed “My Harassment-Free Ship,” organized by the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) in collaboration with the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) in Lagos. He defined harassment and bullying as “unwanted actions—verbal, physical, and psychological—that degrade, intimidate, humiliate, or offend someone.”

As legal adviser to NSWBN, Nwagbara stressed that such behavior is not only morally wrong but also negatively impacts mental health, team morale, onboard safety, and productivity.

“With harassment, there is fatigue, disconnection, and diminished output. A sad ship is a slow ship. In the end, everyone loses—the seafarer, the shipowner, and the economy,” he stated.

He cited examples ranging from verbal abuse by senior officers to targeted bullying of female cadets and racial discrimination, noting that seafaring is already a high-pressure profession, and these additional stressors create hostile environments that must be eliminated.

Referencing recent developments by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Joint Working Group—including mandatory training modules, suspension of credentials for offenders, and harmonized global definitions for harassment, bullying, and violence—he said, “If we want better ships, we must start with better behavior. Harassment-free ships are not only ideals; they are responsibilities—legal, professional, and human.”

Earlier, the Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers, Rev. Francis Aduroja, welcomed attendees warmly and encouraged seafarers to share their experiences, noting the importance of Lagos hosting its own commemorative Day of the Seafarers event despite the national celebration occurring elsewhere.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of the African Shipowners’ Association and Secretary of the Mission to Seafarers, Lagos, Ms. Funmi Folorunso, applauded the resilience of Nigerian seafarers, especially women navigating a male-dominated field.

According to her, “Seafarers are one big family, though spread across different domains. We must protect and uplift every member.”

Engr. Alalade Matthew, a seasoned Class Surveyor, shared insights on challenges faced by female seafarers in Nigeria, recounting early instances of harassment aboard African Ocean Line (AOL) vessels. He acknowledged progress made by Nigerian shipowners in providing opportunities for women at sea but stressed the need for boundaries, teamwork, and mutual respect onboard.

One participant said, “A harassment-free ship is not just the seafarers’ right; it is the industry’s responsibility.”

Several seafarers shared personal testimonies of harassment, neglect, and resilience. Bosun Tunde narrated how his crew endured six months of unpaid wages aboard a vessel with no food or water until the Maritime Workers Union intervened. Ambassador Deborah, one of Nigeria’s pioneer female engineers at sea, shared her journey breaking gender barriers and the vital role of unions and mentorship in her survival.

Mr. Thomson spoke emotionally about a seafaring colleague who lost his leg in an onboard accident and believed the colleague received little compensation or follow-up care. Others criticized inefficiencies in some local maritime unions and called for more direct engagement, especially through ship visits and proactive advocacy.

Barrister Nwagbara responded clearly, addressing misconceptions around employment contracts, benefits, and union roles. He explained distinctions between voyage, articled, and indefinite contracts, stressing that entitlements often depend on these classifications. He also reminded seafarers of the importance of self-development, good conduct, and professional ethics.

Barr. Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara’s presentation brought global advocacy into local focus, with Nigerian seafarers expressing a collective desire for better working conditions.

As part of its post-event commitments, NSWBN pledged to continue awareness campaigns on harassment-free ships; work with unions to improve shipboard engagement; promote inclusion of anti-harassment policies in collective bargaining agreements and crew manuals; encourage grievance mechanisms on all Nigerian-flagged ships; and support training and mental health resources through its Seafarers Centres.

In his vote of thanks, Mr. Michael of the NSWBN Secretariat expressed appreciation to attendees and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to turning testimonies into actionable solutions.

It is recalled that the national event to mark the 2025 Day of the Seafarers was organized by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Port Harcourt. Meanwhile, the NSWBN initiative ensured Lagos, Nigeria’s maritime nerve center, remained visibly engaged.

The National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) hosted a timely event in Lagos that amplified Nigerian seafarers’ voices, reinforced the importance of psychological safety at sea, and aligned with international best practices in maritime welfare.

The event provided a platform for Nigerian maritime workers to reflect on their working conditions and the critical need for safe and respectful shipboard environments.