By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has called on the Federal Government to urgently settle the long-overdue pensions and outstanding entitlements of retired Nigerian seafarers, warning that continued delays are worsening the plight of elderly maritime workers.
Adeyanju, a former President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday to commemorate the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, observed globally on June 25.
The labour leader expressed concern that despite a verification exercise conducted nearly four years ago to facilitate payment of retirees’ benefits, many of the affected seafarers are yet to receive their entitlements.
According to him, the prolonged delay has had devastating consequences, with several beneficiaries reportedly dying while waiting for payment, while others have become seriously ill, incapacitated, or pushed deeper into poverty.
He urged the government to act swiftly by clearing the backlog of pensions and outstanding benefits, stressing that retired seafarers who dedicated their lives to serving the nation and supporting global trade deserve to be treated with dignity.
“These are men and women who spent years at sea contributing to the economy and facilitating international commerce. It is only fair that they receive what is due to them without further delay,” he said.
Adeyanju’s appeal came as the global maritime community marked this year’s Day of the Seafarer under the theme, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying The Risks.”
Reflecting on the theme, he noted that 2026 has been particularly challenging for seafarers due to geopolitical tensions and security concerns affecting major shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
He commended seafarers worldwide for their resilience and commitment in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods despite increasing dangers at sea.
“Seafarers remain the backbone of international trade. Their sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain economies around the world even in the face of significant risks,” he stated.
Beyond the issue of retirees’ welfare, Adeyanju also drew attention to broader concerns within the maritime sector.
He urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to restore the engagement of onboard gangway men on berthed vessels, arguing that their presence plays a critical role in preventing cargo theft, pilferage and other forms of economic sabotage at the ports.
Describing gangway men as the “eagle eyes” of port operations, he maintained that their reinstatement would strengthen security around ships and improve operational efficiency.
The NLC deputy president also raised concerns over the state of maritime training in the country, particularly at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
He lamented that many graduates of the institution continue to face challenges obtaining the certifications and sea-time experience required to secure employment in the global shipping industry.
Adeyanju therefore called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to intensify efforts towards ensuring that graduates of the academy are properly trained, fully certificated and globally competitive.
While acknowledging ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for initiatives aimed at transforming Nigerian ports and improving industry performance.
He nevertheless stressed that addressing the welfare of retired seafarers, strengthening maritime security, and improving manpower development remain critical to the sustainable growth of the nation’s maritime industry.
Adeyanju concluded by paying tribute to seafarers and maritime practitioners for their dedication and perseverance, expressing optimism that the sector would continue to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
“On this Day of the Seafarer, we celebrate the courage, sacrifice and commitment of seafarers who keep global trade moving. Their welfare and future must remain a priority,” he said.
