MWUN seeks support for indigenous terminal operators
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) wants the Federal Government’s encouragement for indigenous terminal operators, considering the promotion of local content aimed at improving the nation’s economy through job creation.
Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, President General of the MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, said considering indigenous players in the sector would promote local content development and give maritime activities a brighter future in the country.
Adeyanju spoke with regards to recent threat by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to revoke licenses of erring concessionaires. He noted that terminal operators have been committed to paying wages in spite of the economic challenges following high and unstable foreign exchange rates against the Naira.
He maintained that while the indigenous operators made such efforts, some foreign concessionaires in the nation’s seaports invest in the country but have their interest on the benefits back home.
Adeyanju said that the Union would continue to pray for all the concessionaires noting that local content like the Cabotage act plays a significant role to capacity building of Nigerians.
He appealed that rather than focus on revoking of terminal operators’ licenses at a time when the country is faced with insecurity and unfavourable balance of trade; government should explore avenues to boost exportation of non-oil products overseas.
He also called on the terminal operators to improve on their operations for efficient service delivery.
