The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has shed light on its refusal of the N100 million settlement offer from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the ongoing saga surrounding the payment of entitlements of former Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) seafarers.
According to a press statement issued by the Assistant Director, Public Relations NIMASA, Osagie Edward, he stated that Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of MWUN, provided comprehensive insight into the union’s perspective.
“We rejected N100 million as a settlement from NIMASA because we believe in a more comprehensive and collaborative approach. If other entities like the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Shippers Council also contribute, we can ensure a fair distribution of funds among the beneficiaries,”Adeyanju emphasised
He further stressed MWUN’s dedication to securing a fair and equitable resolution for seafarers’ affected by the termination of appointments due to the liquidation of the defunct NNSL. “Our commitment is to protect the rights and privileges of workers without causing disruptions in the Maritime Sector’s productivity,” added Adeyanju.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bashir Jamoh the Director General of NIMASA, responded to MWUN’s decision, expressing the agency’s commitment to resolving the matter and highlighting the complexities involved. Dr. Jamoh acknowledged NIMASA’s prior offer of N100 million for settlement and emphasized the need for a thorough verification process.
“The issue of industrial harmony in the maritime sector is of utmost interest to our administration at NIMASA. We have been at this for a while. We will ensure the physical verification exercise is brought to a logical conclusion. Our Honourable Minister will be duly updated by the Agency. I look forward to closing this issue in months to come,” Jamoh assured.
