NIMASA flags off e-platform for dockworker, Stevedores, others

NIMASA FLAG OFF E-PLATFORM FOR DOCKWORKER, STEVEDORES,  OTHERS

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,  Dr. Bashir Jamoh, ably represented by the Executive Director, Labour and Cabotage,  Engr. Victor Ochei, said the E-Platform was conceived  in furtherance of the Agency's mandate to regulate the registration of Dockworkers Seafarers, Stevedoring company, Seafarer employer, Jetty, Terminal operators.

His word "The Maritime Labour E-platform is in furtherance of the Agency's mandate the registration and regulation of every  Dockworkers, Seafarer, Stevedoring company, Seafarer employer, Jetty, Terminal operators and Offshore Platforms or Terminals.

"The E-platform was conceived out of the need to establish an independent, robust, integrated information, verification and communication platform that will serve as system database generation on Maritime Labour. It will also serve as a source of statistical data and analytics for National Planning, Policy Making, Training Capacity Building and Research.

He said "I am particularly delighted about the prospect of eliminating the time consuming process of seafarers and employers registration which is what the E-Platform would provide. It is further expected that the E-Platform will promote a seamless registration process that will culminate into the issuance of biometric identity cards to seafarers and Dockworkers.

The Maritime Labour Employers on the other hand can conveniently complete their registration process from the comfort of their offices without necessarily visiting the Agency's Office.

"I therefore implore our esteemed Stakeholders including seafarer employers, Manning agents, Terminal operators, Dock labour employers, Seafarers and Dockworkers to ensure that the platform is put into good use while avoiding practices that will expose it to the manipulations of online scammers.

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Director General  reiterated the Agency's commitment towards actualizing its mandate as provided in the enabling Act. "Our resolve to make life meaningful to the entire Maritime Labour remains firm and we intend to achieve this through sustainable efforts in capacity building and improved welfare. The Agency is also prioritizing the training of Nigeria seafarers to meet industry needs with emphasis on specialized and advanced trainings.

 Jamoh emphasized that "The Agency's ongoing collaboration with various Government Agencies is aimed at creating jobs for seafarers and the E platform would provide the required data for seafarers training, certification and placement onboard vessels.

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While speaking at the event, the Apapa Port Manager,  Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu said that what NIMASA will take port operations to the global level that Nigeria need to be.

"With this flag off of E-Platform for us at Nigerian Ports Authority we are taking it that biometric data that is being provided for seafarers and stevedores is going to give room for professionalism, orderliness, provides avenue for record keeping and give room for tracking of face and voice so as not to put Nigeria into disrepute.

She added that the E-Platform will give improved security and quicker turn around for vessels into our ports.

Olotu stated that "to support this noble initiative, there must be provision for capacity building. She appealed for adequate preparation for capacity development for every stevedore.

The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju said that NIMASA has proven that its committed to improving professionalism and standard with the flag off of Maritime Labour E-Platform especially in terms of labour practices and capacity development.

The Country Managing Director, APMT, Mr. Clout Lauson is happy that NIMASA found APMT worth while to  be selected for flagship turning out which shows that there are some positive or good things APMT is doing.

He said maritime dockworkers is going through a lots of reform, and  appreciated NIMASA for bringing professionalism, standards and to ensure its embrace digitalization.

APMT Boss said that the port is a controlled space and anyone who comes to do business must be properly registered and identified through a process of identification.

He stated that "in APMT we invest a lots in training and retraining of our employees. We have the records, statistics   I can also proud to say that we are the first terminal to pioneer the training of a female crane operator.

Major maritime stakeholders including; Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Commissioner of Police (Apapa Port), were in attendance at the event.