DOCKWORKERS DAY : MWUN Reads Riot Act To Terminal Operators Over Lack Of Health Insurance Coverage For Workers

By Roland Ekama

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN has on Wednesday, December 11 2024 advocated for employers of labour at the port terminals to provide insurance policies for dockworkers and their families.

MWUN also called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to beam its searchlight to regulate and compel the terminal operators to ensure that the dock labour workers health welfare is prioritize .

President General , MWUN Comrade Adewale Adeyanju while speaking at the Dockworkers Day celebration held in Lagos, reiterated that safety of dockers must be of paramount by employers adding that dockworkers toil day and night to ensure smooth and efficient operations at the ports.

Adeyanju noted that the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations must be concerned in line with their well-being.

He said “As a union we strongly urge the terminal operators to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of dockworkers by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment. We further advocate for employers to provide group life insurance coverage to all Dockworkers, recognizing the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations.

” This policy will provide financial security and support to workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.
Also, it is important to stress the popular saying that “health is wealth”.

” It is on this premise that we advocate the need for HMO for ALL Dockworkers in their places of work that will provide health insurance coverage for them and their immediate family.

“Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) will continue to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and fair compensation for all dockworkers and other categories of our members. We will also work closely with other stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Shipping companies and Government Agencies, to ensure that our ports are safe, efficient, and productive., Adeyanju reiterated.

 

 

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Safety First, Efficiency Always,”the President General affirmed that the work of dockworkers is mostly full of risks and hazards, stressing that they face hazards every day, from heavy machinery to harsh weather conditions and exposure to hazardous Cargo etc.

Primarily, the union leader maintained that “That’s is why it is important to ensure that Dock workers get the necessary training and, are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

” Is a clarion call to all stakeholders in the maritime industry to prioritize safety and efficiency in all their operations. As dockworkers, we are the backbone of the industry, and our safety and well-being are of paramount importance and should therefore be given due importance.

“In the line of duties of the dockers , he further highlighted the high number of accidents recorded at the port terminal due to lack equipment noting that “I wish to note that we have experienced numerous accidents largely attributed to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate rest period. Let it be emphasized that the non-provision of PPE is a clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health – International Labour Organization (ILO).

Adeyanju who doubles as the Deputy President , Nigerian Labour Congress NLC also called on the federal government through Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to reintroduce tally clerks and onboard Gangway Security Men which according to him, forms an integral part of Dockworkers in accordance with section 27 of NIMASA Act 2007.

It is important to equally draw the attention of “Government to resuscitation of Tally Clerks and onboard Gangway Security Men which forms an integral part of Dockworkers in accordance with section 27 of NIMASA Act 2007. Meanwhile, we urge the Nigeria Customs Service to extend a hand a fellowship, collaborate and synergize with Dockworkers and the Union in the area of customs examination to forestall the importation of hard drugs.

“However, despite the shortcomings of port concessioning, it has brought in improved security, lighting of the terminals, the ports are now better secured for cargo and safe for port workers.” the union leader noted .

President ,National Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO) Dr. Bolaji Sunmola who corroborated Adeyanju position on the reintroduction of the government tally clerks and onboard security, stressed the need for the synergy among NPA, NIMASA and employers of labour in line with cargo handling at the seaports.

Sunmola stated that employers of dockworkers have transformed over the years due to the collaborative mechanism with the union.

He also commended the President General of MWUN for his doggedness and dedication in port operations.

Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho noted that the dock labour industry is a force to reckon with .

In his paper presentation, Dantosho was represented by General Manager, Marine and Operations, NPA Dr. Charles Okaga spoke on ‘Safe, Effective, Cargo Handling Operations, called on other government agencies to support the dockworkers on capacity building for effective port terminal operations.

He also called on stevedoring operators and terminal operators to ensure safety management policies to monitor and certify genuine dockworkers.

Chairperson, Seaports Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) described dockworkers as unsung heros but commended NIMASA for the recognition of dockers.

Earlier, Executive Director Marine Labour and Cabotage Services (MLCS), NIMASA ,Jibril Abba called on dockworkers to sustain the peaceful coexistence in port operations.