Day of the Dockworkers: MWUN President Advocates Insurance Policies for Dockworkers

*Dantsoho urges government agencies to support dockworkers
By Francis Ugwoke
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, on Wednesday called on ports terminal operators to provide insurance policies for dockworkers in the country.
Adeyanju who spoke on the occasion of the ‘Day of Dockworkers’ in Lagos, said this was important considering the important role dockworkers play in the nation’s economy.
He added that such insurance policies should also cover the families of dockworkers.
The MWUN President General also called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to focus on regulating and compelling terminal operators to ensure that the health and welfare of dockworkers are prioritized.
He argued that the inherent risks associated with cargo handling and their unique operations must be considered 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”.
Adeyanju Adewale disclosed that terminal operators owing dockworkers have agreed to settle all the arrears.
Adewale applauded all the Chief Executive Officers of the agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy for their robust engagement with stakeholders which has ushered in far reaching transformation of the maritime industry.
He also commended the leadership of terminal operators for providing the enabling environment for dockworkers.
He described this year’s “Safety First, Efficiency Always” as a clarion call to all the stakeholders in the maritime industry to prioritize safety and efficiency in all their operations.
Adewanju added, “ 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”.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on his part was of the view that the dock labour industry is a force to be reckoned with.
In his paper presentation, delivered by the General Manager of Marine and Operations, NPA, Dr. Charles Okaga, Dantsoho called on other government agencies to support dockworkers in capacity building for effective port terminal operations.
In her address, Chairperson of the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, described dockworkers as unsung heroes but commended NIMASA for recognizing their contributions.

• 
• 
• 
• 

About Post Author