Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the outgoing President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has called for vigilance against external interference as the union gears up for its elections in March 2025.
Speaking during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which held in Lagos on Tuesday, Adeyanju, who has led the union since 2017, reflected on his almost eight-year tenure and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Adeyanju, who will conclude his second term in March, described his tenure as one of liberation and progress for the union. He acknowledged the collective efforts of his executives, union members, and stakeholders in fostering unity and industrial harmony in the maritime sector.
The union leader highlighted the importance of maintaining peace as a new leadership takes over, cautioning companies, individuals, and other stakeholders against meddling in the union’s electoral process. He stressed that MWUN operates a democratic delegate system that should be upheld without compromise, urging respect for the union’s constitution.
In his words: “Our electoral process is democratic and stands on the tradition of the delegate system. I implore all stakeholders to honor the sacrifices of our past heroes by ensuring this process remains free from external interference.”
Adeyanju also used the opportunity to reflect on challenges that persist, despite the union’s progress. He pointed at issues such as delayed pensions for retired seafarers, the non-implementation of the minimum wage, and the need for renewal of terminal operators’ licenses. He called on the federal government and other stakeholders to address these concerns urgently.
During the meeting, Adeyanju also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in supporting the welfare of union members. Representatives from these agencies, alongside the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, commended Adeyanju’s leadership and the reforms implemented during his tenure.
Ajaero noted that the peaceful transition process underway at the MWUN is a testament to Adeyanju’s commitment to democratic principles. He praised the outgoing President General for fostering a culture of accountability and progress, stating that, “the union has no fear of electoral crises because its leadership understands the principle of transition. Where leadership is respected, there is no need for constitutional manipulation to stay in office.”
As Adeyanju prepares to bow out, he called on the union to build on the foundation laid during his tenure, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to sustain the gains achieved. His reflections and the calls for non-interference come as the union enters a critical period, with its electoral process set to shape the future of one of Nigeria’s most influential labour organizations.
Representatives from NPA and NIMASA also praised Adeyanju for his dedication to industrial peace, describing his leadership as instrumental in maintaining stability within the sector.
