The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola has reiterated the agency’s commitment to creating a harassment-free environment for seafarers.
Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration themed “My Harassment-Free Ship” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mobereola emphasised the importance of protecting seafarers’ dignity and well-being.
He pointed out that Nigeria remains the highest contributor to Seafarers in Africa as they are found on vessels in domestic waters and also globally. He noted that they will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of Maritime Training Institutions.
He revealed that the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 addressed a broad range of issues affecting Seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
The DG stressed that the amendments, which include improved protection against shipboard violence and harassment, will come into effect in December 2027. He also called on shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to review their operational policies to align with these amendments.
Mobereola revealed that the agency will establish clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and thorough investigations
He expressed appreciation to key partners and stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Merchant Navy/Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, for their support in promoting the welfare of seafarers.
