The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has hosted Mrs. Barning Annica Marie, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) London, and Project Coordinator on Maritime Affiliate Support project (MAS) for ITF, who paid a working visit to the Union from London on the 22nd of April, 2024.
Speaking at the event, President General of the Union, Prince Adewale Adeyanju commended Mrs. Annica for dedicating time to visit Nigeria for the very first time since being the Coordinator of the MAS project and also acknowledging the tremendous roles she has been playing on behalf of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in respect of the MAS project in country.
Adeyanju noted that the MAS project has been described as very significant in the lives of the Nigerian Seafarers, which also stands to improve the lot of the Union in terms of increase in membership; for a better negotiation on Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with affiliate companies to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, which would bring about a minimum standard of remuneration across board for all Seafarers in Nigeria, that is the NJIC, where seafarers salaries are paid in hard currency (Dollars). This project had also put the country’s Seafarers as the highest paid globally. The project is also making sure that seafarers get their certificate of competence seamlessly from NIMASA amongst others.
In her response, Mrs Annica praised Prince Adeyanju, who is also the Vice President ITF Global, Executive Board Member ITF Global, and Chairman ITF Africa, for his visionary leadership for the Union and also for having great passion for Workers welfare and for inspiring women inclusiveness in the Union.
The ITF Coordinator noted that she would take back to ITF London the huge progress so far made by the Union concerning the MAS project in the country and that in spite of some challenges, the project still leaves much to be desired in this all fruitful programme in Nigeria.
Mrs Annica promised to return to Nigeria towards making sure that the MAS project hits its desired target for the Union.