Seaport crisis looms as dockworkers reject imposition in MWUN elections

A fresh wave of agitation is sweeping through Nigeria’s seaports as dockworkers protest against what they describe as years of marginalisation and the looming imposition of leadership within their union, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

Findings by the Nigerian Tribune reveal that the unrest centres on the forthcoming elections into the union’s Dockworkers Branch, where anger is brewing over an alleged attempt to sideline a long-standing zoning agreement.

Dockworkers across multiple port terminals recently took to the streets, rejecting what they described as blatant manipulation of internal democracy and warning of dire consequences if the crisis is not swiftly addressed.

At the heart of the dispute is the emergence of Mr. Bolaji Agboola, a member of the ENL Terminal chapter at Apapa Port, whose sudden campaign for the branch presidency has rattled union members. Many argue that the position ought to be zoned to the Tin-Can Chapter, in line with a gentleman’s agreement aimed at rotating leadership among various chapters. The current president, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize, is from ENL and is completing his second term.

The appearance of Agboola’s campaign posters has reignited bitter memories of past domination by a single zone, sparking protests at key port locations. Dockworkers have also accused former MWUN President-General, Comrade Tony Nted, of attempting to influence the election process—an allegation that has further deepened mistrust within the union.

Comrade Sunday Osho, Assistant Secretary of Apapa District 1, told the Nigerian Tribune: “There is no more imposition, no more manipulation in the dock industry. We are mature and exposed enough to decide our own leadership.”

Osho insists that Rule 14A, which was used to elect the current MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, should equally apply to the Dockworkers Branch to ensure fairness and balance. He noted that since the union’s structural reform in 1996, leadership has remained in the hands of a select few from the Apapa zone, sidelining other zones, including Tin-Can and Port Harcourt.

“What we are fighting for is simple: equity and inclusion. That’s why the zoning arrangement must stand,” Osho declared.

Meanwhile, there are widespread allegations that Princess Vicky Haastrup, Vice Chairman of ENL Terminal, is backing Agboola’s candidacy to protect the terminal’s interests. This claim has been further inflamed by the perceived silence of the union leadership, which many say has emboldened external interference.

Osho further revealed that following a formal protest and a petition to port security authorities, a meeting was convened on Tuesday, May 6, where ENL Terminal’s General Manager, Mr. Mark Walsh, and Legal Adviser, Mr. Bayo Uzamot, reportedly disassociated the terminal from Agboola’s candidacy.

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“They supported the workers’ call for justice and fairness. Even the Police Commissioner at the ports confirmed that ENL was not backing any candidate,” he said.

Despite these assurances, the incumbent branch president, Ohize, downplayed the tensions, stating: “There is no crisis. Anyone who wants to contest is free to do so. The union is not imposing any candidate, and there’s no agreement mandating a particular chapter to produce the next president.”

However, many dockworkers remain unconvinced, especially as Comrade Oluwole Adetumi, seen as the Tin-Can Chapter’s most viable candidate, is reportedly under pressure to withdraw from the race. Some argue that such a move could plunge the union into deeper turmoil.

In a bid to douse rising tensions, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi recently issued a strict directive banning the display of campaign posters, banners, or flyers within ports, jetties, union offices, and vessels nationwide. While affirming members’ rights to participate in the elections, he warned against toxic campaigns and urged aspirants to uphold peace and discipline.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE