The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has asserted that the union has set a new standard in labour advocacy, particularly in securing better welfare for maritime workers.
Speaking during an interactive press briefing on Friday, Adeyanju emphasized that his tenure prioritized workers’ rights, improved remuneration, and fought against anti-labor policies threatening the industry.
Adeyanju dismissed suggestions that he had softened his stance in recent times, stating that strategic dialogue had been instrumental in securing agreements that were once deemed impossible.
He cited the landmark collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that now guarantees a minimum take-home salary of ₦200,000 for shipping workers—an improvement from the previous ₦20,000–₦30,000.
He recalled how shipping companies initially resisted the agreement but later conceded, with federal government representatives, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, signing off on the new wage structure.
Addressing the transformation of dock workers, Adeyanju highlighted how the union ended the era of informality where anyone could walk into the port and become a dock worker without regulations. He said that by instituting a structured framework, workers now enjoy a more stable career path. The MWUN PG also noted significant strides in securing better conditions for seafarers, linking their progress to global labor standards.
He credited media support for amplifying MWUN’s struggle, particularly in ensuring Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) workers received long-overdue salary adjustments after 18 years.
He recalled how public pressure forced the government to act, and the process of salary reviews for NPA staff is now nearing completion under the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
Reflecting on his biggest challenge in office, Adeyanju pointed to the controversial ‘Port and Harbour Bill,’ which sought to restructure NPA operations in a way that he argued would have jeopardized workers’ rights. He described how swift mobilization, including a nationwide ultimatum and advocacy from industry stakeholders, forced the bill’s collapse, preserving workers’ interests.
As his tenure draws to a close, Adeyanju stated that he has laid a solid foundation, including securing a €400,000–€500,000 grant from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for a multinational recreation center for seafarers and dock workers in Nigeria. However, he noted that the project is awaiting suitable land, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) now tasked with finding an appropriate site.
Regarding concerns about his successor, Adeyanju maintained that while his leadership supports a candidate, the incoming administration must chart its own course. He insisted that his role is not to control the next leadership, but to ensure continuity in the union’s progress.
On his next steps after office, the MWUN PG deferred to divine guidance, stating that his future will unfold as God wills it. However, he hinted at continued involvement in labour advocacy, noting his recent appointment to the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Adeyanju concluded by warning against any attempt to revive anti-labour policies, especially in the maritime sector. He expressed confidence that his successor would resist any regressive changes, ensuring that the welfare gains achieved during his tenure remain intact.
