Investigations by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that 13 of the disengaged seafarers of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) seven months after a verification exercise was conducted to facilitate the payment of their gratuities and retirement benefits. The deaths are in addition to several others who have been confined to hospital beds due to severe health challenges.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that exactly a year ago in December 2023, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced a N100 million payout as terminal benefits for the seafarers, who were disengaged in 1995 following the liquidation of the NNSL.
However, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) rejected the N100 million offer, describing it as grossly insufficient for the number of affected individuals. This rejection marked a pivotal moment in the seafarers’ fight for justice, further prolonging their hardship.
According to the NIMASA statement signed about seven months ago, by its Assistant Director, Public Relations, Edward Osagie, the agency has initiated discussions on how to resolve the lingering issue of terminal benefits for seafarers affected by the liquidation of the NNSL.
“The issue of industrial harmony in the maritime sector is of utmost interest to our administration at NIMASA. We have been working on this for a while. NIMASA had offered 100 million Naira as a settlement, which the Union declined. We have also discovered that some of those demanding settlement did not even have any employment letters.
“We will follow the lead from our supervising Ministry and ensure the physical verification exercise is brought to a logical conclusion. Our Honorable Minister will be duly updated by the Agency. I look forward to closing this issue in the months to come,” stated Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the then-NIMASA DG, as quoted in the statement.
Five months later in May 2024, the MWUN began the verification of the NNSL disengaged seafarers after 29 years of liquidation over their unpaid benefits. President General of the union, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju during the Seafarers Verification Exercise held in Lagos on Tuesday, 17 May 2024, had reiterated the union’s commitment towards ensuring that the right of all aged and active seafarers would now be given to them as at when due.
In a bid to determine the number of retired seafarers waiting to be paid their pension after negotiations with the Federal Government, Adeyanju explained that the exercise has lingered for so long thus the federal government under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue has given directive for the verification.
However, speaking with our correspondent last week Muhammed Hassan, one of the affected seafarers, expressed frustration over the continued delay in paying their benefits. He revealed that since the verification exercise in May 2024, 13 of their colleagues have passed away, and seven others are currently battling severe health conditions.
According to him, the verification exercise had initially raised hopes that the long-awaited payments would be made soon. However, he said the seafarers have been left in limbo, with no clear timeline or template for disbursement, adding that the delay has plunged many into financial distress, leading to illnesses and, in some cases, death.
Muhammed stressed the need for transparency and adherence to international payment standards for seafarers. He also criticized the Nigerian government for attempting to categorize their benefits under pension schemes, which he described as “a calculated attempt to rob us.”
The disengaged NNSL seafarer appealed to the government to expedite action about their payments to prevent further loss of life. Muhammed insisted on being adequately compensated, warning of continued agitation if the government fails to meet their demands.
“Since the verification exercise in May, 13 of our members have passed away. As I speak, seven others are seriously ill; three suffering from strokes and the rest battling severe conditions. Many of us borrowed money, hoping to settle debts once payments were made, but up till now, there is no sign of relief.
“We’ve waited for over 20 years for this money. Many of us hoped to use it to sustain our families, but now, it seems unlikely. We are not ordinary pensioners. Seafarers worldwide are paid according to templates set by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). We worked under international conditions and earned in dollars; our payment should reflect that,” he argued.
“If the payment is not properly calculated and paid in line with international standards, we will fight on until justice is done,” Muhammed concluded.
Also speaking with Shipping Position Daily last week, Mr. Victor Riman, another affected seafarer, lamented the worsening situation. He lamented that since the verification exercise, payments are yet to commence, leaving many in dire straits.
Riman confirmed that the MWUN, led by Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has been working tirelessly to resolve the matter. He noted that in a bid to hasten the process, the union has engaged government officials and sent representatives to Abuja to push for action.
However, Riman lamented that the progress has been slow, with changes in leadership and bureaucratic delays hampering resolutions. He added that the delay in disbursing the benefits has left many seafarers and their families struggling.
According to him, the lack of financial support has resulted in children dropping out of school, families unable to afford basic necessities, and a growing sense of despair among those affected. Riman stressed that this dire situation has contributed to preventable deaths and illnesses, with some seafarers unable to access essential medications.
He said that: “Since the verification exercise, we’ve lost about 12 people. Some are still in the hospital, and many others are struggling to survive. Children are out of school, families have no food, and basic medications are beyond reach. Why wouldn’t people die in such conditions?
“The union is fighting hard for us. They even sent someone to Abuja to press the committee in charge. We’ve heard that the chairman of the committee overseeing this matter has been removed and sent back to the Ministry of Transportation. As we speak, the Sea Men President of the Union has been invited to Abuja to deliberate further on the issue. We pray they answer us before the year runs out. This country is tough enough without adding unpaid benefits to the burden. We’re only asking for what is rightfully ours. The suffering must end” Riman pleaded.
