The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has bemoaned poor treatment of Nigerian seafarers by manning agents and International Oil Companies (IOCs).
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, over the weekend, the president- General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju highlighted the persistent challenges faced by maritime workers from their employers.
Adeyanju said, seafarers and dockworkers were inadequately compensated and suffered disrespect from their employers.
“As we celebrate this day, let us remember the sacrifices of maritime operators who have lost their lives at sea, ports, jetties, and other platforms,” Adeyanju stated.
He underscored the tragic reality that many workers in the maritime sector face harsh conditions, with little to no compensation for their service.
“Seafarers and dock workers are subjected to suffering and disorder. Compensations for their sacrifices are rarely paid, and it becomes a problem between us and these marine agents.”
Adeyanju particularly accused manning agents of neglecting their responsibilities to the seafarers who work for them.
“Some of these agents have no regard for the seafarers they are working with, It takes us five years of agitation before the rights of these workers are recognized. Some of them have served and died while on active duty, and yet, their compensation remains denied.”
In addition to calling out manning agents, Adeyanju also criticised IOCs for their disregard of Nigerian seafarers, especially those involved in lifting crude oil.
“These companies are cleaning our oil and lifting our crude oil, but they have no regard for seafarers,” he said. He emphasised the union’s ongoing struggle to ensure that seafarers’ rights, as outlined in agreements with the Nigerian government, are respected.”
Adeyanju also called for action from the maritime authorities to address the long-standing issues affecting Nigerian seafarers and dockworkers.
He urged the Ministry of Labour and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with agreements like the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC), which is meant to protect workers’ rights.
“It is important that the agreements signed under your command are respected,” Adeyanju told the audience. “The NJIC, which was meant to protect the rights of seafarers and dockworkers, is being disregarded by employers, and this is affecting our members.”
Adeyanju, however, called for a renewed commitment to Maritime welfare over the years.
“Let us honour the memory of our dearly departed members by committing to safety, and reaffirm our dedication to security as we navigate the future together,” he concluded.
The MWUN president also made a passionate plea for the pensions of retired seafarers, referencing the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). “The pensions of NNSL seafarers, some of whom served over 28 years ago, remain unpaid. We need to look at their welfare – these are seafarers who contributed positively to this country,” he stated.
