Adeyanju Calls On Employers To Provide Group life Insurance For Dockworkers
Adeyanju Calls On Employers To Provide
Group life Insurance For Dockworkers
…says Dockworkers are the backbone of the Maritime Industry
By Jerry Aguigbo
This year’s Dockworkers Day Celebration of 2024 has come with a spark, as the colourful turnout also witnessed some sincerity of purpose, with concerned Government Agencies calling for collaboration to tackle noticeable issues bedeviling Dockworkers in Nigeria. From the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, to the the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the message of safety at workplace, welfare of workers and collaboration reverberateed.
The President -General, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, MWUN Comrade (Dr) Adewale Adeyanju utilizing the space and occasion, of Dockworkers Day Celebration yesterday at the NPA play ground, Surulere, called on the employers of Labour to as a matter of urgency prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Dockworkers, while he called on employers to provide Group life insurance policy for Dockworkers all over Nigeria.
In his words: “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the important role that dockworkers play in the maritime industry. The duty of a dockworker is not just merely about loading and off – loading cargo; but also, about ensuring safety and efficiency of our ports.
This year’s theme, “Safety First, Efficiency Always,” 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.
The work of dockworkers are mostly full of risks and hazards. They face hazards every day, from heavy machinery to harsh weather conditions and exposure to hazardous Cargo etc. This is why it is important to ensure that Dock workers get the necessary training, are provided with necessary equipment and support to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
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
clear violation of safety regulations as provided for by the fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health International Labour Organization (ILO).
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 restress 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.
The PG pledged continued collaboration with Terminal operators and to ensure workers are treated fairly, with commensurate remuneration paid to them. While he also called for the payment of arrears owed all Dockworkers.
“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.
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. It has also led to better welfare and remuneration of Dockworkers. On this note I wish to appreciate the Nigerian Ports Authority particularly under the leadership of Chief Adebayo Sarunmi who was instrumental to initiating the Condition of Service for Dockworkers,” he said.
Adeyanju reiterated his commitment to ensuring safety of workers at their workplace by stressing the need for employer to prioritise safety and wellbeing of their Workers.
“As we celebrate Dockworkers’ Day today let us remember the importance of safety and efficiency in all our operations. Let us renew our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well being of all dockworkers. And let us work together to build a maritime industry that is safe, efficient and prosperous for all.”
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