By Uzor Odigbo
Executives of Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation of Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) on Tuesday, ensured strict adherence to the directives by its parent body, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following battering of the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
Led by its President, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, the union leaders toured both Tincan and Apapa ports to enforce compliance.
Checks on ground to monitor proceedings, saw other union leaders from Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) making sure that the port gates were under locks and keys.
It was also observed that there was a low turnout of workers at the two ports signalling full compliance with earlier directive that they should not to come to work.
Port users and articulated vehicles were seen unable to access the port for operations.
Speaking on the inspection, the SSASCGOC, Maritime Branch President, Comrade Akinola Bodunde said members were in total compliance to halt port operations.
His words, “Since the directive is from Organised Labour, we have no option than to comply and if the NLC, TUC say we should continue tomorrow we will because injury to one is injury to all.”
Meanwhile, there are fears among the freight forwarding agents about accumulation of demurrage owing to the number of days that the ports will be under locks.
The nationwide strike is coming at a time when the federal government is trying to stabilize the economy from the current state of naira devaluation, economic hardship, among other factors