Following his exit from office as the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) recently, stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry have taken the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju during his eight years in office.
His leadership has been widely praised for fostering stability, peace, and growth within the union and the broader maritime sector.
In a chat with our correspondent, Mr. Segun Oduntan, the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended Adeyanju for his exemplary leadership.
According to Oduntan, Adeyanju’s character and managerial skills were instrumental in bringing peace to a once-turbulent maritime environment. “No doubt about it, he has done excellently well for both himself and the maritime industry. He is a manager of men, and he was able to bring peace to the arena,” Oduntan remarked, noting how Adeyanju’s approach significantly enhanced the working dynamics within the industry.
Speaking also, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President Nigerian Association of Masters Mariners (NAMM), described Adeyanju as an “achiever,” highlighting several key accomplishments from his tenure.
Alao pointed to Adeyanju’s role in ensuring industrial harmony within the ports, fostering peace among all branches of MWUN, and facilitating reconciliation between past and present union executives. “There were too many positives under his watch, such as industrial harmony in port operations and peace among all branches of MWUN. He was also instrumental in the collective agreements between ship owners, seafarers, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),” Alao explained. Additionally, Adeyanju’s efforts in integrating workers on offshore platforms into the union were also praised.
Bob Yousuo, President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy and Water Transport, also offered high praise for Adeyanju, acknowledging his contribution to strengthening both MWUN and the maritime industry as a whole. “He has made the image of MWUN a golden bride in the maritime sector. Before, people used to say we are not much of a union, but now the MWUN has become a highly respected body that everyone looks up to,” Youssou stated. He also recognized Adeyanju’s successful collaboration with the Nigerian Merchant Navy, which played a significant role in the sector’s growth.
On his part, Mr Babatunde Mukaila, a former National Secretary of ANLCA, further lauded Adeyanju, drawing comparisons between his tenure and that of other influential maritime leaders.
“Eight years under Adeyanju is comparable to that of Prince Shittu of ANLCA. He succeeded in keeping MWUN in the limelight and transitioned the union from a cantankerous, aluta-driven organization into a constructive economic partner for maritime employers”, Mukaila said. One of Adeyanju’s most significant achievements, according to Mukaila, was his successful negotiation of a ₦200,000 minimum entry-level salary for workers in shipping companies.
Mukaila also praised Adeyanju’s ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with key industry stakeholders. “His interpersonal and agency collaborative relationship with critical stakeholders is second to none. I want to doff my cap for him,” Mukaila concluded.
