Comrade Adewale Adeyanju on Friday exited the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) after after serving as President General of the Union in the last eight years, declaring that his administration leaves behind a legacy of progress, unity and growth.
Speaking at the 6th delegates conference of the Union in Lagos, Adeyanju said MWUN under his eight- year tenure made significant progress in labour relations, infrastructure and workers welfare across it’s four branches.
Adeyanju expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his tenure adding that the strides achieved was made possible through the collective efforts and support of maritime industry stakeholders, government officials and dedicated members of the Union.
Adeyanju also reflected on the challenges faced during his administration but expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved through the dedication and support of his executive team at the national, branch, district and unit levels.
He said, “What we have attained today is all because of the support and encouragement of wonderful people and friends such as you all gathered in this esteemed sitting. | am humbled to acknowledge how you contributed your expertise, time, and energy to answer our prayers which greatly helped to amplify our voices nationally and internationally. So indeed, | will not measure the time we have spent together in years but in the friendships, we have built and the memories we have made and shared.
“| wish to commence and thank the Almighty for keeping us for these past eight years in good health and solidarity. It seems to me like yesterday when we all gathered in Uyo, Akwa lbom State, and not too long ago, in Lagos to collectively and unanimously elect this administration to superintend the affairs of our Union for the first and second terms.
“The past eight years have not been easy. However, | am proud to announce that we have kept our promises and oaths, despite being faced with hurdles that seemed undefeatable. | dare say we were able to do this with support from government, our members, and various management/stakeholders. For this, we are grateful and it is to the gift of you all who solidly stood by my side that I owe my deepest appreciation. ”
Highlighting some of the achievements recorded during his administration, Adeyanju said they include improved conditions of service across the four branches- dockworkers, shipping, seafarers and NPA.
Others are: Expansion of the union through inauguration of new districts and units and strengthening workers’ welfare and benefits to cushion the impact of economic downturns.
-Facilitation of the final stages of approval for aged Seafarers’ unpaid disengagement benefit from the
defunct NNSL with the government agreeing to a Pension Buyout.
-Enhanced global recognition through alignment with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), and industry stability, ensuring that disputes were resolved through dialogue rather than industrial unrest,
-Renovation and modernization of the national secretariat among others.
Adeyanju urged the incoming leadership to build on the strong foundation laid by his administration and elevate the Union to even greater heights.
In their goodwill messages, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy represented by the Permanent Secretary, Oloruntola Olufemi, and the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola pledged their continued support for the maritime and labour unions by ensuring enabling environment for the progress of the nation’s economy.
The minister urged MWUN to maintain its vital role in promoting professionalism and contributing to the overall advancement of the industry.
“The work you have done will be a reference for generations to come, ” the minister stated, emphasing the impact of MWUN’s efforts under Adeyanju’s stewardship.
President, Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, also lauded Adeyanju’s leadership stating, “It is not easy to have a great leader. A leader that brings both the past and the present together for a greater future. He has laid a solid foundation and I pray that the people coming after him will build on it.
“If they so do, of course, your union is a great union, but it will be greater and greatest.”
The NLC boss congratulated Adeyanju for having the courage to step down, describing it as a mark of true leadership.
“I want to extend my deepest congratulations to him because this is the most difficult task for union leaders.
“It gets to a level that people will be asking you to stay back, to say that you are the best, you are the highest, but for you to have the courage to say, there is time to start and there is time to stop, that makes you a leader. The achievements of the outgoing leadership are a testament of what is possible when we stand together in solidarity, ” he said.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the book ‘History of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, which chronicled the union’s struggles, achievement and growth from 1996 to 2024.
Presentation of awards were made to eminent industry stakeholders, union members and journalists who have supported the Union’s transformation over the years.
