MWUN tasks incoming administration to embrace Maritime sector for stability of economy, sustainability
By Uzor Odigbo
The Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) President -General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju has congratulated Workers in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of Labour Day, even as he urged the incoming govt.to focus more on the shipping sector for wealth creation.
According to a statement on Monday, the MWUN boss used the workers day celebration to call on the incoming government to be very proactive of the workers plights in the country and ensuring that most lingering issues were resolved in no distant time so as to give the workers a new face of hope, and as healing measure to cushioning the set back workers had gone through in the hands of various administrations.
Adeyanju reiterated that as the saying rightly goes: “There’s dignity in Labour, and a diligent workman is entitled to his wages”; and if this is the faith of labour therefore, no single Nigerian and Pensioners should be allowed to suffer or be denied his or her tights, wages and entitlements no matter any circumstance.
He further enjoined members and all the union branches, which includes the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA ), Dockworkers, Seafarers and Shipping for their commitment and determination to a purposeful labour in the maritime sector, in spite of all the negating conditions of workers in the country which had made the industry a very difficult terrain to work and operate; but the presence of the prevailing odds in the sector, the Nigerian had worker persisted with commitment of hope and a convincing aspiration for a better new Nigeria, which has been their source of motivation and above all, the driving force of patriotism.
Comrade Adeyanju, however, affirmed the strong resolve of the Union of it’s total unalloyed support for the new President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero who was recently elected unopposed by the NLC members Congress.
The number one maritime labour man, who also doubles as the Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Adeyanju also felicitated the International Transport Federation (ITF) on the day’s occasion, where workers in Nigeria nay the world were supposed to be in a mood of funfair but the given prevailing issues of job cut, redundancy, poor remunerations, and unpalatable welfare packages have been the bane of workers happiness and joy in Nigeria, and I am sure the same cuts across the world of labour.
Meanwhile , the President General was quoted congratulating the Nigerian Workers with the “Black Power” Salute urging them to continue in their total resolute not to let the nation down in their various sectors, while charging them in the spirit solidarity to keep flying high the Labour flag, which is our strength and symbol of labour; for there lies our Unity of Purpose.
He also felicitated the MD of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Koko; DG NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh; MD NIWA, Dr George Moghalu, Chairman STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’Council, Barr. Emmanuel Jime; and employers of Stevedoring Companies; Shipping Companies; Ship Owners; Comrades and Members of sister union’s and Association in the maritime sector.
He also use this season to salute and appreciate the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Senior Staff Association for their cooperation and collaboration saying,” without which we may not have the capacity to enjoy the peaceful industrial harmony in dear maritime sector.
” I greet once again all Nigerian Workers in all spheres of employment and pray that the Workers spirit will surmount all obstacles we may encounter in this journey. Comrades, I wish all all Nigerian a happy Workers Day.” Adeyanju added.