By Barnabas Esiet.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently hosted a workshop in Lagos to sensitise users of its new Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital solution designed to revolutionise the governance of maritime labour in Nigeria.
The platform aims to streamline the registration, verification, and issuance of identity cards for seafarers, dockworkers, employers, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the workshop, Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, represented by Director, Maritime Labour Services Department, Ibrahim Sidi, highlighted the importance of the platform in achieving global competitiveness.
He noted that the platform would not only enhance the efficiency of maritime labour administration but also provide reliable real-time data, which is essential for informed decision-making.
The platform is a modern, integrated system that centralises registration and issues secure biometric ID cards, cutting paperwork and speeding up processing. According to Sidi, the platform’s implementation is in line with NIMASA’s statutory obligations under Section 27(1)(a) of the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
The launch of the Maritime Labour E-Platform is a significant step towards building a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector.
It is expected to promote fair working conditions, health protections, and social security for maritime workers, while also enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global Blue Economy.
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