National Seafarers’ Welfare Board Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of MLC 2006, As Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment To Sailors’ Well-Being
By Roland Ekama
The National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) and Mission to Seafarers have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the welfare of Nigerian seafarers during the NSWBN’s 20th anniversary celebration held in Lagos.
The event drew senior representatives from across the maritime sector, including the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Association (NMNOWTSSA), Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Port Consultative Council (PCC), Manning agents, seafarers, students, and officials from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as well as Morning Masters and Ship Pilots Association of Nigeria.
Chief Engineer Bob Yousuo, National President of NMNOWTSSA and chairman of the anniversary event, expressed optimism for the future of Nigerian seafarers while urging NIMASA to address persistent certification delays and regulatory gaps that hinder seafarers’ careers. He emphasized the central role of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) in protecting seafarers and encouraged non-unionized seafarers to join unions for collective protection.
Yousuo praised the NSWBN’s initiative in creating a platform for government and private stakeholders to discuss seafarer welfare. “The aim of the seafarers’ welfare board is to inform seafarers about their rights and responsibilities, and this initiative is a welcome development,” he said.
Primarily, he also warned that the country’s harsh economic conditions have reduced ship ownership, creating fewer jobs for seafarers.
Highlighting labour protections, Yousuo called for swift action from NIMASA’s leadership on outstanding certification issues. “Seafarers complain about this every year; we urge NIMASA to step up and resolve the matter,” he said.
NAMM President Tajudeen Alao urged seafarers to seek guidance from master mariners to better understand the industry
He recalled the MV Gurara tragedy that claimed 24 crew members and stressed the sacrifices seafarers made during the COVID-19 pandemic and in high-risk international hotspots such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Alao appealed to international bodies and governments to enhance protections and support for seafarers given the risks they face.
Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), commended seafarers for their contribution to national development and pledged continued council support for their wellbeing.
Dr. Emmanuel Alfred, Deputy Director of Maritime Labour at NIMASA, urged seafarers to report harassment and intimidation to the agency and confirmed NIMASA’s readiness to engage shipowners to find solutions. He also encouraged seafarers to pursue continuous training to keep pace with evolving industry standards.
A cross section of seafarers used the anniversary forum to describe the harsh economic and operational challenges they face, and appealed to NIMASA and other stakeholders for increased training, certification support, and welfare measures.