Nigeria’s inclusion in IMO Council will strengthen Africa’s voice – Mobereola
As Nigeria endorses amendments of eight codes of MLC 2006
The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, says Nigeria’s inclusion in the Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council will strengthen Africa’s representation and voice in shaping international maritime policies that promote fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and technical cooperation.
Dr. Mobereola stated this at the 5th ILO special Tripartite Committee meeting in Geneva Switzerland while reinforcing Nigeria’s bid for election to Category C of the IMO Council during the upcoming elections scheduled for November/ December this year.
Nigeria at the meeting endorsed the amendments to eight (8) Codes of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 to protest seafarers.
The amendments include the codes related to the protection of seafarers against discrimination, identification of seafarers as key workers, enhanced access to shore based welfare for seafarers, and the code on shipboard violence, harassment and bullying, accommodation and recreational facilities onboard.
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Mobereola, who represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to the welfare, rights, and protection of seafarers.
He commended the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for fostering dialogue on maritime labour standards.
The NIMASA DG reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring decent working and living conditions for seafarers, noting the recently approved minimum wage in line with ILO standards.
The Special Tripartite Committee comprises representatives from countries that have ratified the MLC 2006, and mostly from Maritime Administrations who also attend IMO meetings. This is the very first time Nigeria is widening the scope of its campaign to engage strategically with relevant international agencies.
