In a bid to bring about positive transformation within the truck and haulage business in the maritime industry, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nexus Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony which held on Monday, the President General of MWUN; Comrade Adewale Adeyanju highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in addressing truckers’ challenges and fostering cooperation among key stakeholders.
He said,”this collaboration will help to strengthen our collective efforts in addressing the challenges facing our industry”, emphasizing the need for unity in overcoming shared obstacles.
Adeyanju also stressed the importance of sincerity and commitment from all parties involved, stating that, “collaboration is, by its nature, like a marriage between the husband and wife. If there’s no sincerity of purpose, it won’t work.”
In a passionate declaration, Adeyanju pointed out the significant contributions of truck owners to the Nigerian economy and expressed concern about the challenges they face. “The truck owners have contributed immensely to the success of the Nigerian economy, but what have been their gains?”
Adeyanju also raised issues about policies that are negatively impacting truck owners and emphasized their indispensable role in the industry.
“There is no way you can evacuate your containers without the truck owners. Where is their gain today?” he questioned, drawing attention to the need for fair and just policies within the industry. Adeyanju concluded by expressing determination to confront issues affecting truck owners collectively. “With this collaboration, the door for all of us here is ever open for us to fight one common enemy who has no regard for truck owners, who has no regard for elders,” he asserted.
Adding to the perspectives shared during the MoU signing, Mr. Moruff Raheem, the Board of Trustees Chairman for NAMTOP, highlighted the challenges faced by the industry. “We face a lot of challenges, particularly regarding our operations, and that was why we reached out to MWUN and NARTO to be part of this collaboration,” he stated.
Raheem emphasized the need for collaboration to address operational challenges faced by the maritime and transport operators.
Speaking also at the event, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, the patron of NAMTOP, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts this is even as he commended the PG MWUN for his effort in transforming the union.
“We have never had it so peaceful with MWUN like the way we have it now, there was a time when a year will hardly pass without you seeing dead bodies on the road as a result of fighting and all that, but all that has changed now”, he said.
Ogungbemi commended the collaborative spirit that paves the way for a more harmonious working relationship.
Alhaji Salami Ishola, a trucker, and a key figure in the collaborative efforts, expressed joy and sense of triumph over past challenges, emphasizing the resilience required to bring these entities together.
“It’s been a while that we have been trying to come together, but it has been difficult. But I am happy today because we are coming together to speak in one voice to tackle issues affecting us,” he said.
On his part, Mr Aloga Ogbogo, the Executive Secretary of NARTO, provided a poignant perspective on the journey leading to this collaborative milestone. “The journey to where we are today has not been easy,” he admitted, reflecting on his proactive approach in initiating discussions with MWUN’s leadership. Ogbogo highlighted the relevance of trucks at the port to MWUN, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address shared concerns.
Ogbogo expressed deep appreciation to the MWUN’s President General, citing the transformative impact on the union’s history. “Today, history has been made in the maritime industry, and to God be the glory,” he declared.
