By Ibrahim Danladi

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced its intention to initiate an industrial action on Monday, citing the poor welfare conditions of its members in the shipping sector as the reason behind the move.

The potential shutdown has raised objections from some operators in the maritime industry, who argue that it will adversely affect their business operations.

During a press briefing at the MWUN head office in Apapa on Thursday, the President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, stated that the strike action was prompted by the failure of shipping companies’ management to engage in discussions and negotiate the welfare and conditions of service for their members in the shipping sector.

Adeyanju claimed that despite numerous interventions and meetings aimed at resolving the unresolved welfare issues, shipping companies have shown a lack of cooperation with the workers’ unions.

He explained that following multiple meetings, a 7-day ultimatum was issued after the expiration of a previous 14-day ultimatum given to the shipping companies. However, the Shipping Association of Nigeria’s response has been unsatisfactory, leading to the decision to withdraw the services of MWUN members from Monday, June 5th.

Adeyanju emphasized that the union had no choice but to reinstate the ultimatum due to the shipping employers’ reluctance to negotiate minimum standards and conditions of service.

He revealed that the former Minister of Transportation had directed the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to oversee a collective bargaining agreement meeting between MWUN and all shipping companies in Nigeria, aimed at fostering a peaceful industrial climate in the shipping sector. However, the negotiation process was deliberately stalled by representatives of shipping companies, who claimed a lack of mandate from their principals and insisted on maintaining the status quo.

In response to the news, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, the Founder of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a port shutdown, particularly in the midst of the current fuel crisis. He warned of the negative impact, including demurrage charges, delays in cargo delivery, and other disruptions to port operations.

Another freight forwarder, Mr. Abayomi Duyile, advised against the shutdown, highlighting the broader implications on port activities. He argued that while addressing issues with shipping lines was important, shutting down the entire port was not an appropriate solution, as there are other entities relying on the port for their operations.

The situation remains uncertain as both the MWUN and maritime operators hold their respective positions on the matter.