Lekki Freeport Terminal: Workers disagree over allowances

There is palpable crisis brewing at Nigeria’s first deep seaport, the Lekki Deep seaport, following disagreement between the container terminal operator of the port, Lekki Freeport Terminal and its workers over payment of workers allowances like the Child Education Allowance (CEA) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) allowances.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the District Chairman, Lekki Freeport chapter of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr Ajao Murtala Ishola, explained that the Lekki Freeport Terminal has refused to pay the workers CEA and CBA, leading to an industrial action last week, which left the port inactive for some days.

According to Mr Ishola, “Last week, we embarked on a warning strike because the container terminal operator at Lekki Deep seaport, the Lekki Freeport Terminal refused to pay us our Child Education Allowance and our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“The current Managing Director of Lekki Freeport Terminal, Mr Yann Magarian, has proven difficult to relate with workers when it comes to implementation of labour agreement. We even learnt he is leaving, maybe that’s why he has not been in good terms with the workers.

“These are agreements signed between the workers and the Lekki Freeport Terminal, but the container terminal operator has refused to implement these agreements.

“Other terminal operators across Nigerian ports have paid their workers their CBA and CEA, but Lekki Freeport has refused to pay. The money is overdue and we will ensure they pay up.

“When we went on strike last week, they called us and asked us to come for another meeting this week. That was why we shelved the strike. Whatever happens during the meeting this week will shape our next line of action.”

Efforts to get Lekki Freeport Terminal management speak on the ongoing labour issues at the container terminal proved abortive as of the time of filing in this report.

However, a source within the Lekki Freeport Container terminal who would not want his name in print told the Nigerian Tribune that the reason the Child Education Allowance has not been paid is because the union is demanding the payment for all workers, irrespective of parenting status.

“The issue with the CBA will be sorted. However, for the child education allowance, the workers are asking us to pay everybody, irrespective of parenting status. Some workers don’t have children, yet the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria wants us to pay everybody child education allowance. What does a worker that doesn’t have children needs such allowance for? That’s the issue, but hopefully, it should sorted this week” the source, who is not authorised to speak on-behalf of Lekki Freeport Terminal, told the Nigerian Tribune.