Maritime crisis: NLC gives FG, IOCs two weeks ultimatum to pay contractors

TO avoid further escalation of industrial dispute in the maritime industry, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has given a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to prevail on the international oil companies to pay government appointed stevedoring contractors.

In a letter written to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and signed by the President NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the congress said its decision was premised on one of its affiliate unions, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria’s (MWUN) complaints through several letters to the government on the issue.

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The letter read: “In the letters under reference, MWUN complained that international oil companies (IOCs) operating both onshore, off-shore and in Nigeria’s ports cum jetties have refused to process and pay the invoices from stevedoring contractors servicing the nation’s ports.

“This has resulted in the failure of stevedoring contractor firms to pay their workers many months of salaries/wages. This has led to the death of many dockworkers given the denial of the means to access healthcare.”

It added: “Consequent upon the elapse of a two-week ultimatum which was communicated to your office vide the letters under reference, MWUN has declared a strike action. This strike action could have been easily averted if steps were taken to diligently engage the issues raised by the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.

“In order to avoid further escalation of this industrial dispute and in the interest of peace and harmony, we urge your office to intervene expeditiously in this matter. We expect a meeting between your office, MWUN leadership, and relevant stakeholders involved in this issue in order to resolve this matter and move the maritime industry forward.

“While we look forward to your due diligence on this, please accept the renewed assurances of our highest esteem.”