The Director General of the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi has noted that the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 in Nigeria is a demonstration of the country’s commitment towards ensuring seafarers rights in terms of their living and working condition in a decent environment.
Akpobolokemi, who was represented by Barr. Callistus Obi, made this assertion at a special session with Shipowners, Seafarer Employers, Manning Agents and Seafarers on Maritime Labour Convention MLC 2006, organised by NIMASA at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt last Friday.
He said the MLC 2006, dubbed, “The Bill of Rights for Seafarers” is an opportunity for shipowners, Seafarer employers, Maning Agents and Seafarers to get acquainted with their rights and obligations under the convention.
According to him, the convention which is also referred to as the 4th pillar of International Maritime Standards (IMS) after  IMO Conventions, and pleased to boldly say that Nigeria has been ratified.
“The bold initiative of ratifying this convention presents several benefits to Nigeria, especially in the areas of technical co-operation with other International Labour Organisation (ILO) member states and technical support and training from ILO itself, which has resulted in the training of over 25 NIMASA Labour Inspectors,” he said, adding that a detailed action plan has been put in place preparatory to the entry into force of the convention in Nigeria come June 18, 2014, in Lagos.
The NIMASA boss noted that the objective is to ensure compliance and enforcement so as to achieve effective implementation at both flag state and port state control levels, stressing that it is an updated convention which creates a single instrument encompassing over 68 existing conventions and recommendations on seafarers. He said Nigeria as the 5th state in Africa to have ratified the convention is a landmark achievement for the country and indeed NIMASA through the current management, and called on all stakeholders to facilitate the achievement of the lofty objective. Akpobolokemi said the achievement is a further testimony of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation drive, which would further provide recognition for Nigeria by both ILO and IMO as a complement state with the attendant promotion of   International Labour Standards. In her paper presentation, the Director, Maritime Labour Services Department, Mrs Juliana Abiodun Gunwa heighted the structure of implementation of the MLC 2006, responsibilities and obligations of shipowners, manning agents and seafarers.
Mrs Gunwa, who was represented by Mrs Ego Nwokocha, however, said although the convention does not directly bind shipowners, but that governments are bound to regulate ship owners to ensure that the laid down responsibilities and obligations were met by all parties. Stakeholders from all walks of life attended the session and interacted on issues concerning the operations.