A June 23 Webinar hosted by the National Seafarers Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond to explore the critical topic of seafarers’ welfare in the country’s major ports. With participants logging in from across Nigeria and a number of international guests in attendance, the two-hour session was both engaging and insightful.
The event was moderated by Barrister Emmanuel Osuala Nwagbara, Legal Advisor to the NSWBN, who warmly welcomed participants and set the stage for the discussion. The focus was on the findings of a study assessing the impact of welfare facilities and services on the lives of seafarers at four major Nigerian seaports.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Amos Kuje, Regional Advisor for Africa on ILO Maritime Labour Conventions. Dr. Kuje shared highlights from his pre-pandemic study, which gathered over 800 responses from seafarers. His research underlined the importance of port-based welfare services, especially regarding access to communication and mental health support. He also noted a significant discrepancy between the perceived and actual security risks in Nigerian ports—many seafarers arrive with concerns but are often relieved to find welfare services and safe conditions onshore.
Further insights were offered by several key figures in the maritime sector. Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MOU on Port State Control, emphasized the role of welfare services in supporting seafarers’ rights and shared a compelling personal story of how such facilities in London, UK sustained him and his crew during a long stay in port when he was sailing. Chief Engineer Wale George, Vice National President of the Shipping Zonal Council (WTSSA), spoke about seafarers’ working conditions and initiatives to combat harassment at sea.
Rev. Francis Aduroja, chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Centre Nigeria, concluded the speaker lineup with a reflection on the free and welcoming nature of welfare services provided to all seafarers. He stressed that meaningful partnerships across the maritime industry are essential for extending welfare access to more ports.
A particularly thought-provoking moment came during the audience Q&A, when a participant asked how to broaden access to welfare facilities. Chaplain Aduroja’s response highlighted the need for collective effort and strategic coordination across the whole maritime community to expand the reach of these essential services.
This webinar was organized in anticipation of June 25, the Day of the Seafarer, an annual event promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” aligned closely with the webinar’s discussion. Port-based welfare facilities not only provide a safe space and critical support to seafarers facing harassment or poor onboard conditions, but also offer much-needed outlets for stress relief and mental health care. Allowing seafarers time ashore with access to caring professionals and services is an important part of creating a safer, healthier maritime industry.
The session concluded with an invitation to attend the NSWBN’s Day of the Seafarer celebration, to be held at the Mission to Seafarers on June 25. As the conversation around seafarers’ welfare in Nigeria continues to evolve, today’s webinar offered a hopeful picture of collaboration and a shared commitment to caring for those who work at sea. Plans for future quarterly webinars promise even more opportunities to strengthen partnerships and build a more resilient support network for seafarers.
For more information about the work of the National Seafarers Welfare Board of Nigeria, visit: https://www.nswbn.org/