The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)and the employers of maritime labour under the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) have signed an agreement for minimum standards, after over 20 years of conflicts amid negotiations for minimum conditions of service for workers.
This development was achieved in Lagos on Friday as the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, presided over the signing of the agreement during a ceremony organized by Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Speaking at the event, Oyetola highlighted that the agreement ensures that the industry is built on respect as the workforce are treated with dignity.
“We are showing by this agreement that we nurture and support all those who contribute to the growth of the blue economy. This is a reflection of the trajectory of the administration of President Bola Tinubu and by establishing this, the federal government is enhancing workers welfare.”
“We have seen today that a lot can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. We are also promoting safety standards, encouraging fair competition for level-playing field and enhancing trust in the system,” the Minister said.
Oyetola, however, encouraged all stakeholders to uphold to the tenets of the agreement and work towards continuous improvement.
He equally recognized and thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the successful agreement, especially Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), MWUN leadership and SACFEA.
On his part, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, expressed delight at the agreement which he described as the end of an exhausting journey spanning several years and countless engaging meetings and hiccups.
“We finally arrive at this glorious moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the eventual implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Condition of Service for Workers in the Regulated Sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub-sector.”
“On this note that I commend on behalf of our teeming members, all contributors to the success of this struggle. I extend our sincerest gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Oyetola for gracing this occasion. Your support and commitment to the welfare of maritime workers are invaluable and contributed in no small measure to the success story of today.”
On her part, the President of SACFEA, Mrs. Boma Alabi SAN, expressed optimism that the agreement marks a social partnership for progress in the nation’s maritime sector.
Alabi revealed that at one point she thought the groups had gotten to the end of the road, but thanked the Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola, for his resolve to reach a successful conclusion.
She equally applauded the roles of the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah MON, and the President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.
“I truly believe that this is a social partnership for progress. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets which is our workers. We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to. I am happy to announce that this standard is the highest in any industry in the country,” Alabi said.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, attributed the attainment to the exemplary leadership of Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola, even as he commended the MWUN and SACFEA leaders.
“One thing I have picked from the Minister is his love for the welfare of workers. You have pushed us to get to this level and I want to take this opportunity to commend your Chief of Staff for pushing us to achieve excellence via teamwork and collaboration,” Akutah posited.
The event was graced by several industry bigwigs including the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Badmus; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jubril Abba; Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN); former Director, Consumer Affairs, NSC, Chief Cajetan Agu; among others.
