The Federal Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria after two decades of conflicts amid negotiations for minimum conditions of service for workers.

The Federal Government on Friday in Lagos under the supervision of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council signed the Minimum Conditions of Service for maritime workers.

The MoU was signed among the NSC, the Employers of maritime labour under the Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. 

The task was achieved as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presided over the signing of the agreement during a ceremony organised by the Shippers’ Council.

Speaking at the event, Mr Oyetola said that the agreement ensured that the industry was built on respect as the workforce was treated with dignity.

He said that the signing of the agreement would support those who contributed to the growth of the blue economy.

Mr Oyetola said that the MoU was a reflection of the trajectory of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying that by establishing this, the Federal Government had enhanced workers welfare.

He said, “We have seen today that a lot can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. We are also promoting safety standards, encouraging fair competition for level-playing field as well as enhancing trust in the system.’’

The minister encouraged stakeholders to uphold the tenets of the agreement and work toward continuous improvement to ease time of doing business in the ports.

Mr Oyetola appreciated the stakeholders who contributed to the successful signing of the agreement, especially Nigerian Shippers’ Council, MWUN leadership and SACFEA, amongst others.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Pius Akutah, attributed the attainment to the exemplary leadership of the Blue Economy Minister even as he commended the MWUN and SACFEA leaders.

He commended the minister for his love for the welfare of workers.

“The minister has pushed us to get to this level and I want to take this opportunity to commend your Chief of Staff for pushing us to achieve excellence via teamwork and collaboration,” Mr Akutah said.

He encouraged stakeholders to key into the standard to enhance workers efficiency and productivity.

The President-General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, expressed delight at the agreement which he described as the end of an exhausting journey spanning several years and countless engaging meetings and hiccups.

Mr Adeyanju said that the unions had finally arrived at the MoU for the implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the regulated sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub-sector.

“On this note, I commend on behalf of our teeming members, all contributors to the success of this struggle. I extend our sincere gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Oyetola, for gracing this occasion. Your support and commitment to the welfare of maritime workers are invaluable and contributed in no small measure to the success story of today,” Mr Adeyanju said.

President of SACFEA, Boma Alabi, SAN, expressed optimism that the agreement marked a social partnership for progress in the nation’s maritime sector.

Mr Alabi said that at one point she thought the groups had got to the end of the road but thanked the minister for his resolve to reach a successful conclusion.

She equally applauded the roles of the executive secretary of NSC and the president general of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. 

Mr Alabi said, “I truly believe that this is a social partnership for progress. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets which are our workers. We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to. I am happy to announce that the 200,000 standard is the highest in any industry in the country.” 

The Deputy Managing Director, MSC Nigeria, Jacob Iosso, commended the NSC for taking a bold step in ensuring that the workers were well paid.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by an Executive Director, Olalekan Badmus, said the validation of the negotiation marked a significant milestone to stability in the industry.

Mr Dantosho said, “As we celebrate this achievement, let us also remember that our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for the rights and interest of maritime workers and the employers for peaceful industrial harmony. On this note, I congratulate all of us and reiterate the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria’s assurance to continue to collaborate with stakeholders for the benefit of the industry.”

The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,  Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Jubril Abbah, commended the NSC and other stakeholders for the conclusion of negotiation.

Mr Mobereola said that the shipping industry provided millions of jobs worldwide and also gave the opportunity to provide content for the global supply chain.

He commended the efforts of the workers who had been working tirelessly, even during the Covid-19 period, saying that the signing of MoU would bring harmony in the industry.

The event was attended by several industry bigwigs including the Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor –Anishere, SAN; and a former Director, Consumer Affairs, NSC, Cajetan Agu; amongst others.

 (NAN)