Ministry vows stricter enforcement of seafarers’ rights

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to rigorously enforcing regulations and labor standards to ensure seafarers receive fair treatment and that employers meet their obligations under national and international maritime laws. Minister Adegboyega Oyetola stressed that the welfare of Nigeria's maritime workforce is paramount.

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The ministry will continue to enforce applicable regulations and labour standards to ensure that seafarers are treated fairly and that employers uphold their obligations under national and international maritime instruments. The welfare of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable. To shipowners and employers who continue to uphold the highest standards of welfare, safety and professionalism, I commend your efforts and urge you to do even more.

During the 2026 Day of Seafarers event, themed 'Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,' Oyetola, represented by Musa Makoji, Executive Director of Marine Safety and Security, commended shipowners and employers who uphold high standards of welfare, safety, and professionalism. He urged them to continue their efforts and called for sustained collaboration in promoting compliance with international standards and best practices.

Oyetola expressed deep gratitude to seafarers, acknowledging that their work, often unseen, significantly impacts every nation and economy. He argued that while seafarers are the backbone of global trade, they should not solely bear its risks. Protecting those who keep global commerce moving, he stated, is a shared responsibility involving governments, industry leaders, international organizations, and society.

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Today, we celebrate not only your work but also your sacrifice, resilience and commitment to humanity. We honour the vital role you play in connecting nations, supporting economies and improving lives across the world.

The Minister recognized the seafarers' professionalism, resilience, dedication, and sacrifice in sustaining international commerce and keeping the global economy functioning. He noted that the event's theme accurately reflects the reality that seafarers, while essential for trade, are also highly exposed to its associated risks and uncertainties. The profession demands technical competence, courage, discipline, and exceptional resilience, often requiring long periods away from families and demanding working conditions.

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Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges. Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.