NIGERIAN MARITIME LABOUR ACT

An Act implements the Maritime Labour Convention to set minimum standards for seafarers' employment and welfare on Nigerian-flagged vessels. It targets seafarers, shipowners, and maritime authorities. This protects workers' rights to safe conditions and fair treatment.

What Is This Policy?

Legislation implementing the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) in Nigeria, establishing minimum standards for the employment, working conditions, and welfare of seafarers on Nigerian-flagged vessels.

Who Does It Target?

Seafarers employed on Nigerian-flagged vessels Shipowners and shipping companies NIMASA as the flag state and labour authority Port state control officers inspecting vessels

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect seafarers' rights to fair employment terms, safe working conditions, decent accommodation, and social protection in accordance with the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

Key Features

Employment Agreements: All seafarers must have written seafarer employment agreements specifying terms and conditions. Working Hours: Prescribes maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest for seafarers. Accommodation: Sets minimum standards for seafarer accommodation, food, and recreational facilities. Repatriation: Shipowners must bear the cost of repatriating seafarers who are stranded or abandoned.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian-flagged vessels and relevant foreign vessels in Nigerian ports Beneficiaries: Seafarers; maritime industry Funding: Shipowner compliance costs

How to Access

Nigerian-flagged vessels must hold a Maritime Labour Certificate Seafarers must have written employment agreements before departure NIMASA issues certificates of compliance for vessels meeting MLC standards Application method: Obtain MLC certification from NIMASA at https://www.nimasa.gov.ng

Important Terms

Abandonment of seafarers is an MLC violation with severe consequences for the shipowner Port state control can detain vessels with serious MLC deficiencies Flag state (NIMASA) bears ultimate responsibility for Nigerian-flagged vessel compliance

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nimasa.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Legal Framework

The Nigerian Maritime Labour Act operates under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) — which Nigeria ratified — and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007. It is administered by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and aligns with ILO Maritime Labour Convention standards on seafarer rights, welfare, wages, recruitment, and repatriation. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Collective Bargaining Agreement framework provides supplementary standards.