The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and shipping companies under the aegis of Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association ( SACFEA) have signed an agreement on minimum standards of condition of service for workers in the Marítime and shipping industry.
The historic agreement which was facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, set N200,000 as the minimum standard for workers in the shipping sector.
However, the signing ceremony held in Lagos, over the weekend, was witnessed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and chief executive officers of major shipping companies in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the agreement as a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.
He said considering the maritime industry’s crucial role in job creation and contribution to the nation’s GDP, it is important that it’s workforce are treated with dignity and provided with necessary conditions for them to thrive.
The agreement, the minister said, will ensure decent working conditions, fair remuneration, job security, and access to necessary welfare benefits for every worker in the shipping sector.
“The agreement is a reflection of the trajectory of this administration and a testament to our collective commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.”
“Through this agreement, we commit to prioritising safety and health standards, ensuring that workers are provided with necessary training and resources to operate in secure environments.
“A uniform standard will guarantee level playing field among employers in the maritime sector thereby discouraging exploitation and promoting ethical practices in the industry,” the minister stated.
Oyetola, however, urged all stakeholders involved to uphold the tenets of the agreement and bring it to fruition even as tasked the employers to embrace the conditions to foster a positive work environment.
He also enjoined the labour unions to remain steadfast in advocating for the rights of workers by ensuring compliance with the agreed standards while government will on its part continue to provide oversight by providing the enabling environment for compliance and continuous improvement.
Speaking earlier, the president general of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, hailed the signing of the agreement as a significant milestone in the journey to end unfair labour practices and improve working conditions in the shipping sector.
He said the minimum standard set at N200,000 will be reviewed every two years. Adeyanju.
His words, “It’s been an exhausting journey, spanning for several years and countless engaging meetings and travels and surmounting many hiccups to finally arrive at this glorious moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the eventual implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Condition of Service for Workers in the Regulated Sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub sector.
“If you take a quick preview of the CBA you will find out that it addresses the long standing concerns and worries within the industry. Thus, this signing will pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for both employees and employers.”
Adeyanju said MWUN now believes and prioritises dialogue over strike even as he commended the Minister for his support and commitment to maritime workers’ welfare, which he said contributed to the historic agreement.
In his welcome address, the executive secretary of the NSC, Akutah commended the minister for his commitment to the welfare of workers.
Akutah also praised Adeyanju’s leadership style, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the negotiations.
He commended SACFEA chairman, Boma Alabi, for her leadership and contributions to the agreement, stressing that cooperation between workers and employers is essential for growth and stability in the maritime sector.
Akutah reiterated the minister’s emphasis on the need for stability in the sector, urging all stakeholders to work together to maintain harmony and promote progress.
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