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  • MWUN closes 2025 with grand end-of-year celebration, rewards members with cash prizes

    MWUN closes 2025 with grand end-of-year celebration, rewards members with cash prizes

    The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Friday, December 19, 2025, rounded off its activities for the year with a colourful end-of-year celebration marked by worker recognition, cash rewards, and a strong display of labour solidarity.

    Union officials described the gathering as an unprecedented event in MWUN’s history. Held under the leadership of the President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, the celebration brought together workers, staff, and executives in what was widely regarded as the largest end-of-year party ever organised by the union, reinforcing internal cohesion amid ongoing reforms in the maritime sector.

    As part of activities to formally close the 2025 calendar year, MWUN presented cash awards to deserving members in recognition of punctuality, dedication, and exemplary conduct. In the punctuality category, the Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Administration and Personnel, Comrade John Ekpo, received a cash prize of ₦100,000.

    In the best-dressed category, the Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Protocol and the union’s representative of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Comrade Kenneth Ibanga, was awarded ₦100,000, alongside the General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Mathew Adele, who also received ₦100,000.

    Female award recipients included Comrade Akala Mistura of the Accounts Department, who emerged best dressed, as well as Funke Apesin, Assistant Secretary-General (Administration), and Serifat Ogbede, Personal Assistant to the President-General. Each received ₦100,000 in cash.

    Additional recognitions in the punctuality category went to the union’s Chief Driver, Comrade John Kessy, and the Assistant General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Rotimi, who both received ₦100,000 each. Comrade Taofeek Adeleke was also rewarded as the best among MWUN security personnel.

    In the entertainment segment, the Vice President-General, Comrade Martina Njoku, emerged as the best female dancer during an open dance competition and received ₦50,000, while other participants went home with consolation prizes.

    A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special award to the President-General by the organisers of the “Face of Maritime,” alongside the 2025 Queen of the platform, in recognition of his leadership within Nigeria’s maritime labour movement.

    Speaking at the event, Comrade Bunu thanked participants for their discipline and conduct, reaffirming the values expected of union members.

    He noted that “the only way this tempo can be surpassed is through hard work, dedication, punctuality, commitment, and loyalty.” He also commended the organisers of the “Face of Maritime” for sustaining the annual event and expressed appreciation to journalists in attendance.

    The celebration featured a variety of local delicacies drawn from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, including the Niger Delta, South-West, South-East, and Northern regions, reflecting the union’s commitment to inclusiveness and national representation.

    MWUN officials said the event underscored the union’s dedication to worker motivation and unity as it positions maritime labour to engage more effectively with evolving port operations, industrial relations, and sector-wide reforms in the years ahead.

  • Melsmore, MWUN sign workers’ welfare pact to boost productivity

    Melsmore, MWUN sign workers’ welfare pact to boost productivity

    In a significant step toward promoting industrial harmony and enhancing workers’ welfare, Melsmore Marine Limited has signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

    The agreement, signed at Melsmore’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, formalises enhanced working conditions and remuneration for unionised staff of the marine services firm.

    Speaking during the ceremony, MWUN’s President, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, described the development as “a landmark achievement for both the management of Melsmore Marine Limited and the leadership of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.”

    He said the pact demonstrates Melsmore’s commitment to fair labour practices and workers’ welfare, adding that employee satisfaction remains critical to business success.

    “No good industrial firm will neglect the welfare of its workers and the moral ethics of its status quo,” Bunu said.

    Commending the company’s proactive management approach, the veteran maritime labour leader said Melsmore had shown a deep understanding of the link between employee welfare and productivity.

    Read Also: MWUN, transport safety committee partner for safer seaport haulage

    “Workers deserve good welfare, and that’s the only way any industrial company can achieve optimum output. When the workers are happy, the employer’s growth is also assured,” he noted.

    Bunu also acknowledged Melsmore’s recent decision to review workers’ pay in line with the country’s rising cost of living, saying the wage adjustment would “uplift the spirit and output of union workers in its employ.”

    He assured the company of the union’s continued partnership in sustaining a peaceful and productive industrial relationship within the maritime sector.

    “We thank the management of Melsmore for giving a listening ear to the union, which has resulted in this harmonious development. We believe this mutual understanding will continue to flourish as partners in progress,” he said.

    The signing marks another milestone in MWUN’s efforts to secure improved welfare, fair wages, and workplace harmony for maritime employees across Nigeria’s ports and shipping operations.

  • MWUN, transport safety committee partner for safer seaport haulage

    MWUN, transport safety committee partner for safer seaport haulage

    In a bid to enhance the welfare, safety, and operational efficiency of haulage drivers across Nigeria’s seaports, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria.

    The two organisations recently formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, aimed at promoting a safer and more sustainable maritime truck and haulage transport system.

    The agreement underscores the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision for improvement. 

    It also stresses that safety goes beyond regulatory obligations, serving as a moral duty to protect drivers, passengers, and surrounding communities.

    MWUN President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, reaffirmed the union’s dedication to workers’ welfare and expressed hope that the partnership would be implemented sincerely, unlike past agreements that failed due to a lack of commitment from stakeholders.

    “The union is a reputable organisation that will not compromise workers’ welfare and standards. This MoU is expected to address the anomalies of drivers wasting man-hours on the port corridors for cargo evacuation,” Adeyanju stated.

    He also mentioned that the union had been strategising with the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria for years before reaching this formal agreement. According to him, the deal is designed to ensure that the safety and welfare of drivers remain a top priority.

    The partnership focuses on several critical areas, including regulatory compliance, vehicle maintenance, inspection, and the overall well-being of drivers and passengers. These areas, the stakeholders believe, will not only promote safety but also enhance the efficiency of haulage operations within the maritime sector.

    Executive Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria, Mogbojuri Taiwo Oluwadamilare, described the collaboration as a transformative initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at promoting ease of doing business within the maritime sector.

    Read Also: MWUN: No external influence in our election

    “As we sign this MoU, we are not just formalising a partnership – we are making a promise to each other, to our stakeholders, and to the communities we serve. A promise to uphold the highest standards of safety, to innovate and improve continuously, and to collaborate openly and transparently,” Mogbojuri stated.

    He further commended MWUN for its commitment to safety excellence, describing the union’s expertise as an invaluable asset to the partnership. 

    “To our partner at the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, we are honoured to embark on this journey with you. Your expertise and commitment to safety excellence are invaluable assets to this partnership,” he added.

    The agreement underscores the intention of both parties to improve haulage operations through better safety practices and enhanced welfare for drivers, a move expected to boost operational efficiency and promote the well-being of all stakeholders involved in the sector. 

    By fostering collaboration and a unified approach to safety and welfare, MWUN and the Joint National Transport Safety Committee are positioning the industry for long-term growth and sustainability.

  • MWUN restates ultimatum over unpaid salaries

    MWUN restates ultimatum over unpaid salaries

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has reignited its seven-day ultimatum against the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) over unpaid salaries.

    The Union’s Secretary General, Comrade Felix S. Akingboye, in a statement yesterday, detailed the grievances of MWUN members employed at CRFFN, signaling escalating tensions in the maritime industry.

    In the statement, MWUN expressed dismay at the management of CRFFN for halting salary payments, despite a prior agreement facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This development, the union said, follows months of financial hardship for CRFFN employees, who had earlier faced a backlog of over nine months of unpaid wages.

    It reads: “Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN/The Union) wishes to bring to the notice of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the general public information emanating from our members who are employees of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), in respect of their welfare and conditions of service.

    “The Union has been informed that the management of CRFFN has once again stopped the payment of staff salaries to MWUN’s members who are employees of CRFFN as a result of change in leadership.”

    Read Also: SAN admonishes MWUN against shutting down of seaports

    The Union appreciated the President, Bola Tinubu, for appointing a new and substantive Registrar/CEO to head the Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    As indicated in the statement, MWUN initially applauded efforts by Oyetola, in securing a bailout bond through a sister agency to assist the CRFFN to pay part of the backlog of over nine (9) months salary arrears owed to the workers. Despite these interventions, it reported that the progress made has since “evaporated,” with workers once again left unpaid and demoralised.

    “However, the Union is now being faced with another unexpected regression in this matter as employees of CRFFN-MWUN’s members are now once again left in a state of limbo as the payment of staff salaries has been stopped by the management of CRFFN

    “Reports reaching the National Headquarters of MWUN are to the effect that these workers are now being owed months of arrears with no succour within sight as all signs of progress on this issue have now evaporated.

    “In a bid to ensure smooth running of the Council, MWUN was hopeful that there would be no reason to agitate for workers’ rights after the appointment of a substantive Registrar/CEO to manage the affairs of the Council, but unfortunately there appears to be a leadership vacuum in the Council and this development is now directly and negatively impacting the members of MWUN under the employ of CRFFN; our focus at this time remains that our members do not become victimized by any form of top management squabble, irregularity or impasse,” the statement read.

    In response to what it termed “another unexpected regression,” MWUN announced the reactivation of the seven-day ultimatum originally issued on September 18, 2024.

    The Union demands that all outstanding salaries be paid within seven days, warning of potential industrial action should the CRFFN management fail to comply.

    “In light of the above, we hereby RESUSCITATE THE EARLIER SUSPENDED Seven (7) Days Ultimatum issued to the CRFFN, and consequently give the management of the CRFFN notice of Seven (7) Days Ultimatum from the date of this Press Release within which MWUN expects that payment of all outstanding salaries to our members be made.

    “Failure of the CRFFN management to put their house in order and honour the terms of the Agreement reached between MWUN and CRFFN in Communique dated 18 September 2024 will result in the union taking action to defend the rights of its members which may include the withdrawal of their services in all the seaports, terminals, jetties, and oil and gas platforms,” the union added.

  • SAN admonishes MWUN against shutting down of seaports

    SAN admonishes MWUN against shutting down of seaports

    Members of the Association of Shipping Lines Agents (SAN) have advised the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to shelve its planned protest, saying that shutting down the seaports can not be in the interest of the nation.

    The MWUN had threatened to shut down the nation’s seaports and terminals on Monday, October 30, 2023, if the salaries and allowances of its members were not reviewed.

    The union had issued a 7-day ultimatum to all foreign and multinational shipping companies operating in Nigeria,  to review the entitlement of its members or face the consequence of shutting down their operations.

    Chairman of SAN, Boma Alabi, at a press conference held in Lagos, on Friday noted with concern the announcement by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria of their intention to commence strike action by October 30,  2023.

    Read Also: New deep seaports to boost economy

    The SAN Chair said the shipping companies have repeatedly reminded the MWUN that SAN members do not encompass the totality of employers in the Maritime sector and that despite that SAN has been engaging with MWUN on certain improvements to terms and conditions for employees.

    She said several enhancements have already been tabled, and that dialogue is ongoing, with the most recent meeting having been on 29 September 2023.

    “It should also be noted that the MWUN seeks to impose “minimum standards of employment” while the members of SAN who seem to be repeatedly singled out in the media and public statements by MWUN, consider existing terms and conditions for SAN member companies employees to be significantly above any so-called “minimum standards” already. Yet we remain open to discussions on sustainable proposals.

    In recent weeks many companies have provided additional palliatives to staff to cushion the effects of fuel price hikes and other inflationary pressures affecting all Nigerians.

  • Gunmen hijack passenger boat in Bayelsa

    Gunmen hijack passenger boat in Bayelsa

    Unidentified gunmen suspected to be pirates, yesterday, hijacked a passenger boat along the Nembe-Brass waterways, Bayelsa State.

    The incident occurred a few days after suspected pirates killed three passengers along the same axis prompting some residents to endorse the proposed second phase of the Operation Crocodile Smile by the military to dislodge hoodlums in the creeks.

    It was gathered that the boat was seized by the gunmen shortly after it discharged its occupants at the Brass jetty.

    Sources said the hoodlums shot sporadically into the air before hijacking the boat.

    It was learnt that the boat driver and his crewmen were later asked to disembark the boat by the gunmen.

    The Bayelsa Chapter Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr Lloyd Sese, who confirmed the incident lamented the nefarious activities of sea robbers saying they were making life unbearable.

    Sese said that the union urged authorities to come to the aid of commuters on the waterways, adding that the attack on boats had become a frequent affair.

    Also, a youth leader from the area, Mr. Robert Desmond, condemned the increasing attacks on passengers traveling along the Nembe-Brass waterways.

    He described it as senseless and inhuman and wondered why a group of Ijaw youths should be attacking their own people.

    Desmond appealed to security agencies to protect lives and properties saying that the Brass-Nembe people were in need for marine security.

    He begged them to arrest the pirates, destroy their network and restore peace to the affected communities.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asinim Butswat, also confirmed the incident.

    Butswat,  a Deputy Superintendent of Police said that the command was intensifying efforts to check criminality and in the area.

  • Dock workers threaten strike

    Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) yesterday threatened to shut down the nation’s ports over an alleged approval granted by the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amechi to the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) for the sack of about 3, 000 dock workers.

    Apparently surprised by the alleged approval, MWUN urged the Minister to immediately state the true position so that the workers could decide on the next line of action, which may include shutting down the ports.

    The group has already written to the Minister, seeking audience with him over the matter to avert industrial unrest in the ports.

    A statement endorsed by its Secretary General, Mr. Aham Ubani,  condemned  the report alleging that the Minister had given NPA the nod to sack Tally Clerks, Onboard Security members of the union.

    He insisted that no such decision was taken by the Minister at the stakeholders’ meeting held on January 20 at the conference room of the Ministry in Abuja. MWUN therefore, accused NPA management of master-minding the purported sack because of its agenda to secure illegal engagement of cargoes surveyors.

  • MWUN praises Intels’ work environment

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has commended the management of Integrated Logistic Services Nigeria Ltd for providing a conducive work environment for both workers and stakeholders.

    Its President-General, Mr Tony Nted, said the commendation was an appreciation of the fact that the management of Intels deemed it fit to consider its workers’ well-being.

    He said it was not enough for firms operating seaport terminals to talk about safety and health in theory, but these should be demonstrated as Intels had shown.

    Nted urged other terminal operators to emulate Intels, adding that a decent work environment showed how a company valued its workforce.

    He said: “People should go to Onne and see what Intels is doing. The environment is so tidy.

    “They sweep and keep the place tidy, unlike what goes on in some other work environment when we talk about health and safety in the port.

    “In some terminals, workers work under dehumanising environment which affects their health.

    “It will be worthy that other terminals do exactly what Intels is doing with its work environment to give the workers a sense of belonging.’’

  • MWUN bemoans NLC leadership crisis

    MWUN bemoans NLC leadership crisis

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has bemoaned the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following disagreement over the outcome of the March 12, 2015 rescheduled delegates elections in Abuja.

    The union in a statement by its President-General, Comrade Emmanuel Tony Nted, said it is unacceptable and very shameful that the desperation of some individuals had reduced the NLC to a laughing stock both locally and internationally.

    The union said that it had been vindicated, pointing out that its President-General on the eve of the re-scheduled election, withdrew his candidacy from the NLC presidential race because the election had been reduced to ethnic, tribal and sectional contest by those who wished the labour movement no good.

    The union pledged its neutrality in the NLC leadership crisis, stating that the union leadership is not going to take side with any of the factions but remain neutral until the crisis is resolved.

    According to a statement from the union, the organised labour movement has today been taken over by thugs and individuals who do not merit to be addressed as comrades, stressing that there were allegations of manipulations of the electoral process to favour some individuals yet the leadership of the congress are just going about as if nothing happened.

    The statement added that these shameful acts were things not associated with labour in general and NLC in particular. It therefore, queried the moral justification of the organised labour movement in the country to criticise politicians when they fail to organise credible, free and fair elections.

    The Maritime workers alleged that the labour movement now have thugs and individuals parading themselves as labour leaders and the NLC leadership, stressing that this is very sad, unfortunate and shameful.

    The union urged well meaning stakeholders who meant well for the labour movement to wade into the crisis with a view to resolving it.

  • Maritime workers vow to picket oil firm in Bayelsa

    Maritime workers in Bayelsa State on Monday said that nothing would stop them from disrupting the activities of Conoil Producing Nigeria Limited in the state on Wednesday.

    The workers said the planned industrial action would stop all the oil drilling activities of the company in Ango Field in Koluama Clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

    The workers under the aegis of Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) said they took the decision as the last resort after exhausting other methods of resolving industrial disputes.

    The state Chairman of the MWUN, Mr. Lloyd Sese, said the union had written many letters to the company to no avail.

    “As a law abiding union we had severally written to the company requesting for a meeting with its management concerning its operations in Ango Field located at Koluama which by virtue of its Martime Environment falls within the coverage of the union to no avail.

    “The nonchalant attitude of the management made the union to give the company 21 days ultimatum to meet with the union or face the risk of being picketed by the union. The 21 days ultimatum given by the union has since expired hence this press release.

    “We wish to announce here that the union shall mobilise its members and every resource at its disposal and proceed to Ango Field location at Koluama on Wednesday,” he said.