Seafarers’ Day 2025: FG Launches Maritime Labour E-Platform To Boost Transparency , Seafarer Welfare
Seafarers’ Day 2025: FG Launches Maritime Labour E-Platform To Boost Transparency , Seafarer Welfare
By Frank Odinukaeze
In a landmark move to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Federal Government has unveiled the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital system aimed at transforming the administration and governance of maritime labour in the country.
The platform was launched by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, during celebrations marking the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Describing the innovation as a “transformative tool for labour administration,” the Minister said the E-Platform will usher in a new era of digital governance, real-time data access, and centralized operations in Nigeria’s maritime labour ecosystem.
“This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation. It enhances regulatory compliance and contributes to a smarter and more transparent maritime sector,” Oyetola stated.
The Minister commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for developing the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Ministry’s agenda of promoting ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development within the blue economy.
Addressing this year’s international theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, Oyetola reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on harassment and abuse in the maritime sector.
“Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry. We are prioritizing quality training, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with global standards,” he said.
He highlighted several ongoing reforms geared toward improving the welfare of Nigerian seafarers. These include stricter oversight of manning agencies, improved access to decent work, and strategic collaboration with shipowners to uphold fair labour practices. He also praised the Collective Bargaining Agreement recently facilitated by NIMASA, maritime unions, and stakeholders, describing it as a major step toward ensuring better wages, conditions of service, and dispute resolution.
In his remarks, the Director-General and CEO of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed the Agency’s commitment to upholding international standards in maritime labour, especially regarding the protection of seafarers’ rights.
“This year’s theme is a call to action. Our seafarers must feel safe, valued, and protected while at sea. We are fostering a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and abuse on all vessels,” Mobereola said.
He added that Nigeria remains the largest supplier of seafarers in Africa, thanks to long-standing initiatives like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), and pledged NIMASA’s continuous support in ensuring a safe and equitable maritime environment.
The event also featured goodwill messages from international maritime partners, an awards ceremony honouring the resilience and contributions of outstanding Nigerian seafarers, and a symbolic onboard ship visit by the Minister and his delegation to directly engage with seafarers.
The 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration marks yet another milestone in Nigeria’s quest to modernize its maritime sector and promote dignity, fairness, and security for those who keep the global supply chain moving.
