Seafarers’ Day: Minister of Blue Economy Launches NIMASA Maritime Labour E-Platform



Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)in a landmark stride toward modernizing Nigeria’s maritime sector  has launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a cutting-edge digital system aimed at transforming maritime labour administration across the country.

The unveiling took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration. The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, described the new platform as a vital innovation for improving transparency, regulatory oversight, and operational efficiency.

“This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” the Minister stated. “It offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralized system for managing maritime labour.”



Minister Oyetola praised NIMASA for spearheading the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Ministry’s strategic priorities of improving the ease of doing business, enhancing global competitiveness, and investing in human capital within the blue economy.

Addressing this year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of Nigerian seafarers.

“Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry,” he said. “We are prioritizing quality training, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. Our implementation of the STCW Convention—including its anti-harassment provisions—ensures our seafarers remain globally competitive and employable.”

Oyetola further underscored ongoing efforts to enhance seafarer welfare, including tighter regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improved access to decent work, and collaborative engagements with shipowners to ensure fair treatment onboard. He highlighted the recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement—facilitated by NIMASA, unions, and industry stakeholders—as a milestone toward improved wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General and. Chief Executive officer of NIMASA, pledged the Agency’s continued support for Nigerian seafarers in line with global best practices.

“This year’s theme is a call to action. Our seafarers must feel safe, valued, and protected while at sea,” Mobereola said. “Seafarers should never face these challenges alone; we must foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and abuse on all vessels.”

Dr. Mobereola noted Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading supplier of seafarers, citing the success of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) as a key driver. He assured stakeholders that NIMASA is developing policies to combat harassment onboard ships, ensure safe and confidential reporting, and harmonize local standards with international maritime regulations.

The Seafarers’ Day event also featured goodwill messages from global maritime stakeholders, an award ceremony recognizing the resilience and contributions of outstanding Nigerian seafarers, and a symbolic visit by the Minister and his delegation to vessels in port to engage with crew members firsthand.


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