Director Cabotage Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Rita Uruakpa (middle) with some operational staff during the commemoration of the 2023 World Safety Day at the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 2023 World Safety Day. As part of the activities to mark the event, the agency organised a safety workshop with the theme: “Zero offshore incidents, a culture of prevention.

This is in line with the International Labour Organisation, ILO declared theme of “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR who declared the workshop open noted that NIMASA with responsibilities of Flag and Port State activities, which often times takes place offshore, is committed to the wellbeing of its members of staff.

“As a regulator of safety in the maritime sector, the Agency is obligated to ensure not only the safety of those who work in the wider maritime sector, but also the safety of its staff. Safety, like charity, should begin at home and we are committed to achieving safety standards acceptable globally “he said.

The DG who was represented by the Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department of the agency, Mr. Taiwo Olaniyan stated further that the theme of this year’s World Safety Day provokes a response from every economic sector to ask the question on how to practically and rightly implement the workers right to safety at work place.

The presentation on Zero Offshore Incidents, a Culture of Prevention” organised for the Agency’s Enforcement team highlighted the responsibilities of both workers and employers in attaining a healthy and safe work environment to achieve zero incidents particularly during offshore operations.

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference ILC included “a safe and healthy working environment” in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. This global social milestone elevates prevention of ill health, injuries and harm to the environment from codes of practices to an international human right.