The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appealed to the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to reconsider its planned strike action, assuring that their grievances are being addressed at the highest level. In a move aimed at preventing disruptions to port operations, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) sent a delegation, led by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, to the union’s headquarters.
Delivering the CGC’s message, the Customs Area Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu acknowledged the difficulties faced by maritime workers and assured them of the Customs’ commitment to resolving their concerns. He noted that the CGC had personally called twice in the morning to confirm that the delegation had arrived at the secretariat, a testament to his deep concern for the matter. He stated that while the CGC would have loved to be present, unforeseen changes to his schedule made it impossible. Nonetheless, he had asked Olomu to convey his heartfelt solidarity with the union and to reassure them that he has been actively following developments in the sector.
Olomu emphasized that the Customs Service recognizes the strategic role maritime workers play, not only in the ports but in the nation’s overall economic stability. He pointed out that the NCS generated N6.1 trillion in revenue last year and that such achievements would have been impossible without the contributions of maritime workers. Acknowledging that “one hand cannot clap,” he stressed that trade facilitation and revenue generation require the collective efforts of all industry players. He assured the union that the CGC has already begun engaging with relevant stakeholders to address their demands and that solutions would be implemented within the shortest possible time. He, therefore, appealed to MWUN to reconsider its decision to withdraw services, urging them to prioritize national interest by keeping the ports operational.
In response, the President-General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as historic since it was the first time a representative of the CGC had come to their secretariat. He commended the CGC’s leadership and noted that the visit demonstrated that Customs is closely following the union’s activities. However, he made it clear that MWUN is not a strike-hungry organization but one that follows due process in advocating for workers’ rights.
Adeyanju stressed that the grievances of maritime workers are legitimate and long-standing, particularly in terms of wages and welfare. He questioned the share of port workers in the N6.1 trillion revenue generated by Customs, lamenting that despite their crucial role in the economy, their salaries remain poor. He insisted that workers should not have to beg for better remuneration, adding that port workers are not slaves but key contributors to the nation’s economic growth.
He also raised concerns about the treatment of truckers, condemning what he described as unfair and harsh enforcement measures by state authorities. He decried the impoundment and destruction of trucks, arguing that most truck owners, who have worked for decades, can no longer afford to buy new vehicles. According to him, demanding payments of N400,000 to N500,000 for impounded trucks is unfair, especially when such actions are carried out without proper consultations with stakeholders. He called on the government to engage the union and other key players before implementing enforcement measures, stressing that inclusivity is necessary for effective sector management.
Adeyanju reaffirmed MWUN’s commitment to industrial peace, stating that the union does not take pleasure in shutting down ports or antagonizing security agencies. However, he insisted that the government must take concrete steps to address their concerns. He called for better engagement between MWUN and Customs, emphasizing that all stakeholders must work together to ensure a functional and fair maritime sector.
