Maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Thursday expressed their displeasure over the continuous delay in the renewal of the port concession licenses of the terminal operators at the nation’s seaports.
President of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, who made this known at the 2024 Dockworkers Day organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in collaboration with the union in Lagos, said the workers are determined to see the signing of the licenses which have been long overdue.
He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the agreements are signed as soon as possible, as this is currently impacting on operations at the seaports.
Adeyanju said: “We want to see the renewal of the licenses of the terminal operators. There are a lot of dividends that we are getting from giving us responsible terminal operators. Why are you delaying the signing of their agreements? The workers are now warming up, because they are worried about what is happening to their employees.
“There is so much uncertainty everywhere. The workers want the fate of their employers to be sorted in time to avoid disruption to their own jobs.”
He urged the terminal operators to keep training maritime workers and engage qualified personnels in their training programme.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said that he expects the Dockworkers Day celebration to guide governments policy formulation.
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, “It gives me great pleasure to be present at this gathering to deliver the keynote address as the special guest of honour at the 2024 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day with the theme “Dockworkers: Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“It is my hope that this event would enable stakeholders in the maritime space to dialogue on issues affecting the port and maritime sector.
“This event is coming at a time the present administration has committed to maximally harnessing potentials in marine and blue economy sectors to ensure improved productivity, creation of jobs for our teeming youths, increase in revenue generation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in order to attain sustainable development in the country.
“As you are all aware, the maritime sector plays a pivotal and significant role in the socio economic development of the country. I wish to emphasize that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration and its mandate will continue to pursue vigorously the development of the shipping, maritime and related sectors in order to ensure sustainable development.
“In addition, the Ministry will ensure that the Agencies under its supervision implement necessary projects and programmes to help in achieving Ministry’s deliverables signed with Mr. President.
“The Federal Government through the Ministry will continue to create enabling environment to encourage the participation of the Private Sector in order to address the infrastructural gaps in the maritime sector to enhance service delivery. This is necessary to be able to attain the goals, enhance opportunities and harness the immense benefits in the sector.
“It is my hope that this event would set the agenda that would enable government to take appropriate policy decisions that will sustain our already great strides in the maritime industry.
“I would also reiterate my sincere appreciation to the organizers of this meeting for creating a platform to enable stakeholders in the maritime sector deliberate and offer solutions to the challenges and enhancement of the sector. It is my hope and expectation that this meeting will proffer solutions and recommendations that will help in adding value to the maritime sector.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah encouraged Nigerian seaport terminal operators to prioritise investment in welfare of dockworkers.
“Dockworkers are the backbone of the maritime sector, and your empowerment is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
“Your dedication to the cause of the industry ensures the seamless operation of our ports and the steady flow of goods essential for national trade and prosperity. By facilitating the smooth handling of cargo, you are instrumental in boosting international trade, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and attracting foreign investment,” the NSC boss said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, commended dockworkers for their skills, expertise, and dedication to facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.
Haastrup remarked that Nigeria’s port concession program has been a transformative game-changer for dockworkers, stressing that by introducing private sector expertise and investment at the port, the port concession has improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration, as well as training and development opportunities.
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