Fatshimetrie recently highlighted a critical issue in the Nigerian maritime industry: the need to adequately train dockworkers to ensure safe and efficient port operations.
The Port Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has raised the issue of the dockworkers training fund, which is funded by a 0.5% levy on handling charges and paid into the Stevedores Fund. The levy, collected in dollars by the Nigerian Maritime and Security Agency (NIMASA), has allegedly not been used wisely, according to industry players.
STOAN President, Dr. Vicky Hastrrup, stressed the importance of establishing an international standard training centre with state-of-the-art equipment for dockworkers in Nigeria. She stressed that these port workers play a crucial role in the economy and deserve professional training to carry out their duties.
Hastrrup pointed out that terminal operators pay this 0.5% levy to NIMASA for the training of dockworkers and called for judicious use of these funds. She advocated for the establishment of a training school by NIMASA with adequate facilities to enable dockworkers to be adequately trained.
Meanwhile, the President-General of the Maritime Union of Nigeria, Mr. Adewale Adeyanju, criticized the quality of trainers engaged by NIMASA, describing them as incompetent and questioned the validity of the certificates issued.
These concerns raised by industry stakeholders highlight the critical importance of dockworkers training in ensuring safe and efficient port operations in Nigeria. It is essential that relevant authorities take concrete steps to ensure quality training that meets international standards, in order to avoid accidents and strengthen the country’s maritime sector.
In conclusion, investing in dockworkers’ training is not only an economic necessity but also an imperative to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian maritime sector. It is time for authorities and industry stakeholders to cooperate in raising training standards and ensuring a thriving future for the ports sector in Nigeria.