Maritime Workers Urge Renewal Of Expired Terminal Operators’ Licences

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), have expressed displeasure over the continuous delay in the renewal of the licences of the terminal operators at the nation’s seaports.

Speaking at the 2024 edition of the  Dockworkers Day organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in collaboration with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), titled, Dockworkers: Key to unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” in Lagos, the President-General of the Union, Com. Adewale Adeyanju, said the uncertainty surrounding the delay in terminal licence renewal is currently impacting negatively on port operations.

According to Adeyanju, the workers are determined to see the renewal of the licences which have been long overdue.

He appealed to the federal government to ensure that the agreements are signed as soon as possible.

“We want to see the renewal of the licences of terminal operators. There are a lot of dividends that we are getting from giving us responsible terminal operators. Why are you delaying the signing of their agreements?

“The workers are now warming up, because they are worried about what is happening to their employees,” he said.

He further urged the terminal operators to keep training maritime workers and engaging qualified personnel to train workers.

Adeyanju, however, lamented that after spending millions of dollars to equip Maritime University Oron, their certificate is still not recognised overseas.

On his part, the minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the Ministry in conjunction with the NPA are working to reposition the nation’s ports through the modernisation of the seaports.

He said the move will address the dilapidating state of the port infrastructures to enhance efficiency and ensure competitiveness in the global maritime space.

Oyetola, who was represented by director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, assured that the federal government would continue to create an enabling environment by addressing the infrastructural gaps in the maritime sector to enhance service delivery and encourage the participation of the private sector.

This, he said, is necessary to be able to enhance opportunities and harness the immense benefits in the sector.

Also speaking, the chairman, Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, said Nigeria’s port concession programme has been a transformative game-changer which has increased job security and improved remuneration and welfare for dockworkers.

Haastrup said the Dockworkers are the backbone of Nigeria’s seaborne trade, yet their inputs usually go unnoticed.

According to Princess Haastrup, the unsung heroes of the maritime industry, dockworkers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation of the nation’s ports. She emphasised that their skills, expertise, and dedication facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.

Haastrup applauded SCAN for initiating and organising the Dockworkers’ Day, saying: “Your pioneering idea of shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes of our ports is truly praiseworthy, and your dedication to annually celebrating their vital role is truly laudable”.

She said by introducing private sector expertise and investment at the port, the port concession has improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration, and provided training and development opportunities.

According to her, these positive impacts have significantly improved the livelihoods of dockworkers, enabling them to better support their families and communities.

Prior to the 2006 port concession programme, she said dockworkers faced numerous challenges, including poor remuneration, lack of conditions of service, and lack of identifiable employers.

Adding that their safety was often neglected, leading to exploitation, dehumanisation, and underpayment, she said the federal government’s bold move to reform and concession the ports has transformed the industry.

Haastrup, however stated that the STOAN, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), noting that these agreements ensured fair treatment, living wages, and retirement benefits, thereby giving dockworkers a new lease on life.

“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, workmen compensation, pension, gratuity, and bonuses,” she said.

Stating that the “impact is evident”, Haastrup said the average dockworker’s take-home pay has increased substantially and the CBA has also fostered industrial harmony at the ports.

She however assured that the terminal operators remained steadfastly committed to the welfare of dockworkers, unwavering in their dedication despite the challenging economic situation in the country.