Oyetola pledges fair treatment, safety standards for Nigerian seafarers
Lagos, June (TBL Africa) The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing maritime labour standards and regulations to safeguard seafarers’ welfare and ensure compliance with national and international obligations.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the pledge on Thursday at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos.
The theme of the event was “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk”.
Oyetola, represented by the Executive Director, Marine Safety and Security in the ministry, Mr Musa Makoji, said the welfare, dignity and rights of seafarers remained a priority for government.
“The ministry will continue to enforce applicable regulations and labour standards to ensure seafarers are treated fairly while employers uphold their obligations under national and international maritime instruments,” he said.
The minister commended shipowners and employers who maintain high standards of welfare, safety and professionalism, urging them to strengthen efforts to protect seafarers who keep global trade moving.
He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to promote compliance with international standards and best practices across the maritime industry.
According to him, seafarers play a critical role in sustaining global commerce in spite of operating under demanding and often hazardous conditions.
“While seafarers carry world trade, they should not carry the risk. Protecting them is a shared responsibility of governments, regulators and industry players,” Oyetola said.
He noted that seafarers spend long periods away from their families while navigating operational, security and environmental challenges that require courage, discipline and resilience.
Oyetola said the maritime industry was facing increasing pressures arising from geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, evolving security threats and climate-related challenges.
“Despite these realities, seafarers continue to demonstrate professionalism in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of world trade. We must reaffirm our commitment to protecting their dignity, welfare and rights,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Wasiu Eshilokun, said seafarers are indispensable to global trade and economic development.
Eshilokun also said the committee remained committed to supporting maritime safety, security and welfare initiatives for seafarers.
He added that the committee would continue to advocate policies aimed at improving port efficiency, strengthening indigenous shipping capacity and creating employment opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals.
According to him, the Senate will also support the modernisation of port infrastructure, sustainable blue economy development and full implementation of conventions protecting seafarers’ rights.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the annual observance recognised the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade and economic growth.
Mobereola said the theme highlighted both the indispensable role of seafarers and the significant risks they face while performing their duties.
“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers contend with unpredictable weather, demanding working conditions, evolving security threats and geopolitical realities.
“They also endure prolonged separation from their families while coping with the physical and psychological demands of life at sea,” he said.
