Dockworkers’ Day: Stakeholders Urge Govt On Green Ports, SCAN Seeks Worker Welfare

Temitope Adebiyi

The Federal Government has been urged to ensure a fast transition to greener ports, with due priority for welfare of Dockworkers.

Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, who made this call at the SCAN Dockworkers’ Day 2026 organized by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, in Lagos, said any conversation about green ports must place workers at the heart of policy formulation and implementation.

Noting that the global maritime industry is already witnessing major transformations, he said the introduction of electric cargo handling equipment, automated systems, renewable energy solutions, digital logistics platforms, and environmentally friendly operational procedures is changing the way ports function.

“While these innovations offer significant environmental benefits, they also present challenges for workers. The transition to greener ports must not become an excuse for job losses, poor working conditions, or the exclusion of workers from decision – making processes,” he said.

Adeyanju who is also the former President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), said for Nigeria, the pursuit of green port presents opportunities, but achieving this feat requires huge investments, modern infrastructure, cleaner equipment, renewable energy systems, waste management facilities and environmentally responsible cargo-handling processes.

He tasked workers on adherence to safety standards and active participation in sustainability programmes, as well as skill upgrade.

“The future belongs to ports that are smart, safe and green, and ultimately the future belongs to ports that value their workers,” he stated.

Speaking in the same vein, the President, SCAN, Moses Ebosele, said investment in human capital development remains critical to the success of ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s seaports into globally competitive and environmentally sustainable hubs.

Ebosele described the theme as timely, noting that the global maritime industry is increasingly embracing environmentally responsible practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting cleaner operations, conserving energy, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

According to him, dockworkers remain the backbone of port operations, facilitating cargo movement, supporting international trade, and contributing significantly to national economic development.

He stressed that as Nigeria moves towards greener ports, workers must be equipped with the necessary skills, technology, and welfare support needed to adapt to emerging trends and evolving operational requirements.

He also commended the Federal Government for announcing a $1 billion port development initiative aimed at revitalising the Apapa and Tin Can Island seaports, while expressing optimism that the programme would eventually be extended to other ports nationwide.

While applauding the initiative, the SCAN president urged the government to give equal attention to workforce development, warning that infrastructure upgrades alone would not guarantee the desired transformation of the sector.

“The proposed modernisation of our ports will not achieve its desired objectives without sustained investment in human capital development, continuous training, and improved welfare packages for workers,” he stated.