Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has given status of key workers to all the people connected to the shipping workforce, that is, seafarers and port staff. As we are aware that IMO released a procedure for all the member states regarding change of crew (Sign on and Sign Off) and key worker status to them. Responding to same, NIMASA has given such status. As per the advisory owners have to arrange separate transport for the maritime workforce and they will not be subjected to the travel restriction as other people are. In addition to that they have also released advisory as how to operate ports workforce as well. This includes face masks, sanitization and temperature check of the individuals.
This move will avoid hindrance to the movement of seafarers and they can join their ships and get off. As per the authorities, lockdown for longer duration is not feasible for any economy and these measures have been taken in such response.
