Oyetola Warns Employers To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged employers in the maritime sector to prioritise dockworkers’ welfare, safety, skills development and compliance with labour laws to achieve sustainable green port operations.

Oyetola made the call on Thursday at the SCAN Dockworkers’ Day 2026 organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.

The event had the theme: “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers.”

Represented by the general manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),  Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the minister said the welfare and dignity of dockworkers were critical to the success of the nation’s green port agenda.

He said dockworkers remained the backbone of port operations, handling cargo, facilitating trade and ensuring the seamless movement of imports and exports across the country.

“Without their commitment and professionalism, ports cannot function effectively. Every container handled and every vessel serviced reflects their hard work and dedication,” he said.

The minister said the event’s theme aligned with global efforts to promote sustainability and climate-conscious port operations.

According to him, governments and port authorities worldwide are embracing greener technologies to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.

He said Nigeria would not be left behind in the transition toward sustainable port operations.

Oyetola stressed that sustainable ports could only be achieved when workers were adequately protected, respected and empowered.

“Worker welfare must come first. Treating workers as expendable is unacceptable. Sustainable ports require protected, respected and empowered dockworkers at all levels,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remained committed to supporting cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management systems and environmental awareness initiatives across the maritime sector.

He added that achieving green port objectives would require collaboration among terminal operators, shipping companies, regulators, labour unions and dockworkers.

On capacity building, Oyetola pledged continuous training and retraining programmes to equip dockworkers with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving environmental standards.

Also, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Akutah Ukeyima, said sustainability must remain at the centre of Nigeria’s drive to become Africa’s leading maritime hub.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Trade Services Department, Hannah Adaba, Ukeyima noted that ports across the world were adopting sustainable practices to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

He said dockworkers played a vital role in achieving green port objectives, as their daily activities directly influenced workplace safety, environmental protection, resource utilisation and overall port performance.

Ukeyima reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting workers’ welfare and safety, expressing optimism that the workshop would yield practical recommendations for cleaner, more sustainable port operations in Nigeria.