The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector as a catalyst for economic growth, underscoring the vital role of maritime workers in national development.
This assurance was given at the 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), where Comrade Adewale Adeyanju officially bowed out as President-General after an impactful eight-year tenure.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Permanent Secretary, Olorunfemi Oloruntola, emphasized that the welfare of maritime workers remains a priority for the government. He highlighted the recognition of the maritime sector as a crucial component of economic advancement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and reaffirmed that policies will continue to be crafted to improve working conditions and industry standards.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of MWUN’s historic book “The History of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria 1996-2024, which chronicled nearly three decades of labour advocacy and the evolution of the union.
Oloruntola commended MWUN’s dedication to championing workers’ rights and lauded Adeyanju’s leadership in ensuring that the struggles and victories of the union were documented for posterity.
In his farewell address, Adeyanju reflected on his tenure, describing it as a period of transformation and industrial harmony. He recounted key achievements, including the establishment of a minimum standard for conditions of service that set a benchmark salary of N200,000 for shipping workers, improved welfare packages for dockworkers and seafarers, and the successful negotiation of disengagement benefits for aged seafarers.
He also noted the union’s expansion, including new units at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Port, and midstream operations, as well as the modernization of MWUN’s operations through the commissioning of a new secretariat and the establishment of a legal department.
A major highlight of his administration was the resolution of an 18-year stagnation in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), leading to increased remuneration for workers. Adeyanju also played a key role in securing a government-approved pension buyout for maritime workers and strengthened MWUN’s global influence through its affiliation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), culminating in his election as ITF Global Vice President.
Under his leadership, MWUN successfully organized a one-day strike that compelled the government to repair critical port access roads, demonstrating the union’s resolve to fight for better infrastructure in the maritime sector. Adeyanju attributed these achievements to the collective effort of his executive team and the unwavering support of maritime stakeholders, urging the incoming leadership to build on the foundation that has been laid.
Stakeholders at the event praised Adeyanju’s leadership and the union’s contributions to labour advocacy. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, described Adeyanju as a unifier who bridged the gap between past and present struggles for a stronger future. He emphasized the need for resilient trade unions that will continue to push for a just labor system where workers’ rights and welfare remain paramount.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), acknowledged the indispensable role of maritime workers in sustaining the economy and reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to ensuring a conducive work environment for industry growth. Similarly, Antony Edosomwan, General Manager of Security at NPA, commended MWUN for fostering industrial harmony and encouraged the incoming leadership to uphold the union’s legacy of professionalism and resilience.
