he Federal Government of Nigeria have just concluded the process of endorsement alongside signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
The union also reached a conclusion to end a two decades of conflict-ridden negotiations over minimum service conditions for workers in the shipping industry.
This landmark agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), was signed in Lagos by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA).
The ceremony was overseen by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, praised the Minister for his leadership in bringing about this historic deal for workers.
“The Minister has driven us to this point, and I want to take this opportunity to commend your Chief of Staff for pushing us to achieve excellence through teamwork and collaboration,” Barr. Akutah stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace the new standards to boost workers’ efficiency and productivity. Akutah also lauded the MWUN leadership for its refined approach to advocating for workers’ welfare.
Minister Oyetola emphasized that the MoU is a significant achievement in the Ministry’s mission to build the Marine and Blue Economy on the principles of fairness, respect, and sustainability.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President-General of MWUN, expressed confidence that the agreement would end unfair labor practices and improve working conditions in the maritime sector.
He thanked Minister Oyetola, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, and SACFEA Chairperson, Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN, for their efforts in facilitating the process despite the challenges faced.
Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN, President of SACFEA, expressed optimism that the agreement marks a social partnership for progress in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
She thanked the Minister for his commitment to reaching a successful conclusion and also applauded the roles of the NSC Executive Secretary and the MWUN President-General.
Mrs. Alabi further emphasized that the conditions of service established for workers in the shipping industry are now the highest in any industry in Nigeria.
It was a Historic agreement on the minimum standard of service conditions for shipping industry workers in Nigeria.
Finally, the marine Minister noted that this agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus on enhancing workers’ welfare.
-Princely Onyenwe reporting
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