The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Senior Staff Association has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to include seafarers and other marine operators as essential services following plan to gradually ease the lockdown.
The Merchant Navy union expressed worries over the large number of seafarers who have suffered from the non-crew change due to restrictions in movement, intershift that is not effectively working, thus making it difficult for seamen to clear cheques and cater for themselves in the face of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
National President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), affiliate, Comrade Bob Yousuo, in his May Day message to members on Friday, lamented: “Words can’t explain the sufferings an average Nigeria Seafarer and worker has passed through as a result of this deadly disease called COVID 19.
“I am using this May Day address to call on the Federal Government through the Minister of transport to consider Maritime sector as part of essential jobs /services as the plan to gradually ease the lockdown by 4th of May 2020.”
Yousou, who is celebrating his first May Day as the national president of NMNOWTSSA, maintained that It’s not out of place to consider the services of seafarers as essential, adding that about 90% of the world trade is transported by seafarers.
While harping on the need for crew change as the lockdown ease off, in some parts of the country, Yousou noted: “My appeal is premised on the need to have crew change possible as most seafarers have overstayed onboard. Staying onboard more than required can cause fatigue and stress which can cause fatal accident.
