Maritime Workers Demand Urgent Action on Terminal LicenceRenewals
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has voiced its frustration over the protracted delay in renewing terminal operators’ licences, a situation the union claims is undermining the efficiency of port operations across the country.
Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of MWUN, expressed these concerns during the 2024 Dockworkers Day event in Lagos, organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria in collaboration with the union. He called on the Federal Government to expedite the signing of the long-overdue agreements, warning that workers are growing increasingly anxious about the fate of their employers.
“We want to see the renewal of the licences of terminal operators. There are significant benefits we are receiving from having responsible operators in place. So, why the delay in signing their agreements?” Adeyanju questioned. “The workers are worried about what this means for their jobs, and they are ready to take action if necessary.”
Adeyanju also emphasised the importance of continued investment in workforce development, urging terminal operators to maintain robust training programmes for maritime workers. However, he lamented that despite substantial investments into Maritime University Oron, its certificates remain unrecognisedinternationally.
In response, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, assured stakeholders that the government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is committed to modernising the nation’s seaports. Represented by Director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, Oyetola acknowledged the current state of port infrastructure and pledged that efforts are underway to improve efficiency and competitiveness within the global maritime industry.
“The Federal Government will continue to create an enabling environment by addressing infrastructural deficits to enhance service delivery and foster greater private sector participation,” Oyetola stated, emphasising the need to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Eugene Agha, President of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, highlighted the importance of dockworkers in capitalising on Nigeria’s vast maritime resources. He stressed that, in a country heavily reliant on imports, dockworkers are critical in transforming the nation’s marine assets into economic prosperity.
“As the port sector plays a central role in Nigeria’s revenue generation and economic diversification, dockworkers are pivotal to realising the nation’s maritime potential,” Agha said.
