Dockworkers target inclusion in green port shift

The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, organisers of the 2026 Dockworkers Day, has stated that the initiative is aimed at aligning Nigeria’s port operations with global environmental standards while ensuring dockworkers are not left behind in the transition toward greener and more technology-driven maritime systems.

SCAN disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, jointly signed by its President, Moses Ebosele, and the Organising Committee Chairman, Yusuf Babalola, obtained by The PidomNigeria.

The association explained that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adewale Adeyanju; and the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, are among key industry stakeholders expected to headline discussions at the event slated for later this week.

SCAN added that the event, themed “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers”, will focus on strengthening sustainability practices and improving welfare standards within Nigeria’s maritime labour force.

“The event is expected to drive conversations on the adoption of environmentally responsible port operations, efficiency-enhancing technologies, and improved working conditions for dockworkers across Nigerian seaports. The initiative is aimed at aligning Nigeria’s port operations with global environmental standards while ensuring dockworkers are not left behind in the transition toward greener and more technology-driven maritime systems,” SCAN said.

SCAN explained that Dockworkers’ Day remains a critical platform for recognising the economic contributions of dockworkers while addressing emerging environmental and operational challenges in the sector.

“SCAN Dockworkers’ Day serves as a platform to acknowledge the essential contributions of dockworkers to our economy, while also addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices in our ports,” it stated.

The body added that as the maritime industry evolves, there is a growing need to equip dockworkers with the skills and tools required to adapt to green port initiatives and digital transformation across global shipping systems.

The group added that Umar of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping is expected to deliver the keynote address, while Adeyanju, who also serves as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, will chair the occasion.

“Goodwill messages are expected from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain,” SCAN continued.

SCAN further urged government agencies, shipping companies, the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the event and contribute to advancing a more sustainable and worker-friendly port environment.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting collaboration, improving dockworkers’ welfare, and deepening awareness around sustainable port operations in Nigeria.