The Nigerian government has warned everyone working in the maritime industry not to harass or bully seafarers.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the warning during the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

This year’s event was based on the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.”

Oyetola said it’s important to create a respectful and professional environment for maritime workers. He noted that harassment affects not only individuals but also the image of the entire industry.

He stressed that the government is serious about protecting the rights and safety of seafarers in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is working hard to make the seafaring job better. There’s no room for harassment and bullying in this industry,” he said.

The Minister said the government is improving training for seafarers by upgrading schools and making sure their education matches global standards.

He also promised that Nigeria will continue to follow the STCW Convention, including its new rule requiring anti-harassment training for workers on ships.

“These efforts are to make sure Nigerian seafarers can compete with others around the world,” he added.

Oyetola explained that the government is investing in seafarers by making rules stricter for recruiting agencies and ensuring better working conditions.

The ministry is also talking with shipowners across Nigeria to make sure seafarers are treated fairly and kept safe onboard.

He mentioned that they’re working on digital tools that will help seafarers find global support and jobs. They are also pushing for better working conditions through agreements with other countries.

The Minister said Nigeria is also helping more of its citizens to get involved in international shipping so that cadets and professionals can gain more sea-time experience.

He pointed out a new agreement between NIMASA, labour unions, and shipping companies. This agreement sets new standards for wages and work conditions for seafarers.

Oyetola praised NIMASA for making Nigerian seafarers more recognized around the world and protecting their rights.

Dr Dayo Mobereola, who is the head of NIMASA, said seafarers play a major role in local and international trade and the growth of the blue economy.

He said this year’s celebration is meant to make seafarers feel respected and safe. Ships, he said, must be a place of dignity and professionalism, with no space for harassment.

Mobereola added that Nigeria has the highest number of seafarers in Africa. Many of them work on ships both in Nigeria and overseas.

He believes the number of seafarers will keep growing through programs like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme and other training centers.

He also talked about new international rules from a recent labour meeting in Geneva. These rules aim to protect seafarers more and improve their living and working conditions.

These changes include recognizing seafarers as important workers, giving them better protection from abuse, improving shore leave, repatriation, and updating medical safety rules.

“These changes show that the world is taking seafarers’ welfare seriously,” he said.

He urged shipowners and managers to update their rules before the new standards take effect in December 2027.

Mobereola also told seafarers to speak out if they are mistreated but warned against making false claims.

He said NIMASA has strong policies to stop harassment and has set up secret reporting channels so seafarers can report problems without fear.

“All complaints will be looked into and handled properly,” he said.