As part of efforts to enhance Port operations in Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has concluded plans to sponsor dock workers for training.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Ade Dosunmu who disclosed this during the meeting of the agency's management with Terminal and Private Jetty Operators in Lagos, however, noted that only dock workers registered with NIMASA will be qualified to benefit from the programme.

While stating that the Nigerian dock workers' register being compiled by the agency will be ready for use by the first week of December, the D-G reaffirmed the commitment of the agency's management to improving the professional competence of Nigerian dock workers. His words: "Only dock workers whose names appear on the register we are compiling will be qualified to benefit from the training. This sponsored training is part of our efforts to improve productivity in Terminal and Jetty Operations".

The President General of the Nigerian Maritime Workers Union, Comrade Onikolease Irabor who led the Labour delegation to the tripartite meeting said that training of dock workers is a prerequisite for achieving a harmonious work environment in the terminals and jetties.

The union leader noted that dock workers can only cope with the challenges that come with modernisation and transformation that has taken place in the terminal operating system in Nigeria if they are exposed to adequate training.