By Oluyinka Onigbinde
In a significant move that signals the beginning of a new leadership phase across its branches, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has released the official schedule for its forthcoming branch elections.
The schedule was disclosed in an internal memo signed by Comrade Oniha Erazuwa, Secretary General of the Union, following a resolution by the Central Working Committee (CWC) held on Wednesday, 14th May 2025.
The CWC, serving as the apex policy-making organ between national delegates conferences, reviewed and approved the timeline for elections across the four major branches of the union: the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dockworkers, Seafarers, and Shipping branches.
According to the memo, the elections are set to begin with the NPA Branch on Friday, 30th May 2025 in Lagos, a highly anticipated event considering the strategic role the NPA plays in Nigeria’s port operations. This will be followed by the Shipping Branch elections slated for Monday, 16th June 2025, also in Lagos. The Dockworkers Branch will conduct its elections in Warri on Monday, 23rd June 2025, while the Seafarers Branch will close the series with elections in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 26th June 2025.
This development marks a critical milestone in the Union’s calendar and has already sparked intense political activity across its branches. Aspirants, campaign teams, and interest groups have reportedly begun consultations, lobbying, and discreet mobilization ahead of the polls.
The internal memo emphasized that the election schedule is being circulated to all Branch General Secretaries for record purposes and further dissemination to their respective districts and units.
