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Andrew Utulu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola has affirmed that dockworkers are the backbone of port operations, asserting that they facilitate the movement of cargo, support trade, ensure the smooth flow of imports and exports, and play a critical role in maintaining the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Oyetola made the assertion in a keynote address on Thursday in Lagos during the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day, put together by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN).
The Minister who was represented by Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications Department of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) commended the organisers for sustaining the important annual event dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of dockworkers to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He said that this year’s theme, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” was both timely and relevant as the global maritime industry continues to embrace sustainability, environmental responsibility and climate-conscious operations.
“Today, we honour a group of professionals whose contributions are often overlooked, yet whose efforts remain indispensable to the efficient functioning of our ports and the nation’s economy. Dockworkers are the backbone of port operations.
They facilitate the movement of cargo, support trade, ensure the smooth flow of imports and exports, and play a critical role in maintaining the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry,” the Minister asserted.
He emphasised that without the commitment, resilience and professionalism of dockworkers, the ports cannot function effectively, maintaining that every container handled, every vessel serviced and every cargo delivered bears the imprint of their hard work and dedication.
“As a government, we recognise the strategic importance of dock labour to the success of the marine and blue economy,” adding that the welfare, safety, dignity and productivity of dockworkers remain a priority for the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He averred that the Federal Government would not tolerate any employer of dock labour who fails to place the welfare, safety and wellbeing of workers at the centre of their operations.
The Minister highlighted that the employers must comply with all applicable labour regulations, provide safe working environments, ensure the use of appropriate safety equipment, support skills development and uphold the rights and dignity of every dockworker, insisting that the era when workers could be treated as expendable assets has no place in the maritime industry saying that sustainable port operations can only be achieved when workers are protected, respected and empowered.
“The theme of this year’s celebration also reminds us that the future of maritime trade depends not only on economic efficiency but also on environmental sustainability.
“Around the world, ports are adopting greener technologies and cleaner operational practices to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.”
He assured Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmentally sustainable port operations, cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management systems and enhanced environmental awareness across the maritime value chain.
He however pointed out that achieving these objectives requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, regulators and, importantly, dockworkers themselves.
Dockworkers according to him are frontline participants in port activities and therefore have a critical role to play in promoting environmentally responsible practices, through proper handling of cargo, adherence to safety and environmental standards, reduction of operational waste and support for green initiatives, adding that they can contribute significantly to the development of cleaner and more sustainable ports.
” As we continue to implement the Federal Government’s vision for the marine and blue economy, capacity building will remain a key priority. We shall continue to support programmes that equip maritime workers with the knowledge and skills required to adapt to emerging technologies, changing industry standards and evolving environmental requirements.
” I also wish to commend the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria for using this platform not only to celebrate dockworkers but also to stimulate important conversations around the future of the maritime industry.
“Such engagements contribute meaningfully to policy development, stakeholder collaboration and national economic growth.
“Let me assure all stakeholders that the Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes decent work, sustainable port operations, investment growth and international competitiveness for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I congratulate all dockworkers for their invaluable service to our nation and wish them continued success in their endeavours. “
