The First Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has disclosed that several African countries are beginning to adopt Nigeria’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) model, describing it as a more robust and worker-friendly welfare framework for maritime and transport workers across the continent.
Adeyanju, who is also the Vice President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Global and the immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), made this known at the 16th edition of the Success in Leadership Conference held over the weekend in Lagos. He was honoured at the event with the prestigious ‘Ambassador of Peace’ award.
Speaking during the event, Adeyanju noted that while some African nations still lack full understanding of the benefits of CBAs, Nigeria’s model is gaining traction due to its alignment with global best practices. He emphasized the ITF’s commitment to strengthening workers’ welfare negotiations across Africa, stressing that unionization is vital for securing better conditions of service for transport workers in the region.
He revealed that the ITF has made funds available for the establishment of a permanent structure that will serve as a regional hub for transport workers across Africa. The planned centre, he noted, will offer guidance and support for affiliated unions on key labour issues.
Adeyanju also announced that the ITF is preparing to host a regional conference in the last quarter of 2025, where critical issues affecting the welfare of transport and maritime workers on the continent will be addressed.
Commenting on prevailing practices in some African countries, he criticized the reliance on employer-imposed salary structures, describing them as contrary to international labour standards.
On the recent election of new MWUN executives across its national and branch levels, Adeyanju expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver on the union’s mandate. He particularly commended the new President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, describing him as “sellable, marketable, and reliable.”
“I am satisfied with the outcome of the elections. All the elected officers, both at the national and branch levels, possess the qualities and capacity to advance the union’s goals,” he stated.
Speaking further, Adeyanju revealed that efforts are underway to establish an ITF regional centre in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) already making arrangements to secure landed property for the project.
On the ongoing discussions surrounding the renewal of port concession agreements in Nigeria, the NLC Vice President threw his weight behind indigenous operators, stating that local concessionaires have contributed significantly to the development of the ports and deserve renewal to further enhance the capacity of indigenous companies.
