The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has accused International Oil Companies (IOCs), and manning agents of exploiting port workers especially the seafarers and the Dockworkers.
This accusation was made by the President-General of the MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, at the 2024 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos
Adeyanji who doubles as a Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), frowned at the exploitation of port workers and called on the federal government to intervene urgently
“As we celebrate this day, let us remember the sacrifices of maritime operators who have lost their lives at sea, ports, jetties, and other platforms.
“Many workers in the maritime sector face harsh conditions, with little to no compensation for their services.
“Seafarers and dockworkers are subjected to suffering and disorder. Compensations for their sacrifices are rarely paid, and it becomes a problem between us and these marine agents”, he said.
Explaining that manning agents are neglecting their responsibilities to the seafarers who work for them, he said “Some of these agents have no regard for the seafarers they are working with. It took us five years of agitation before the rights of these workers were recognized. Some of them have served and died on active duty, yet, their compensation remains denied.”
On the IOCs, he said “These companies are lifting our crude oil among others, but have no regard for seafarers. We have been engaging them to ensure that the seafarers’ rights, as outlined in agreements with the Nigerian government are respected.”
Adeyanju called on the maritime regulatory authorities to address the long-standing issues affecting Nigerian seafarers and dockworkers.
