2025: Merchant Navy warns against trampling on Seafarers’ rights by massive influx of foreigners
...National president urges unity among members
Segun Oladipupo
The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has prayers that the rights of Nigeria Seafarers are not trampled upon by the massive influx of foreign seafarers operating within the nation’s territorial waters.
National president of the association, Comrade Bob Joseph Yousuo also called on marine stakeholders to reflect on the accomplishments and those that are yet to to be accomplished of the sector in the outgoing year saying God deserves all the glory
Comrade Yousou stated these in a new year message signed by the union’s General Secretary, John Okpono Aleakhue
Urging all for unity for improved maritime industry, the number one Africa seafarer expressed optimism that 2025 will be better over the Ill treatment of some shipping companies against their workers
For members of the Trade Union Congress TUC affiliate union, Yousuo stressed the need for effective utilization of every opportunity accorded them, even as he preached for unity in building a better NMNOWTSSA.
The President noted that “As the year 2025 begins to today, on behalf of my Executive, members & Staff I sincerely wish to appreciate God for bringing us this far and to thank all for their cooperation and understanding for what we have be able to achieve as an association NMNOWTSSA.
“We celebrated Christmas with peace and joy as we all reflected on the humble, symbolic and divine birth of Jesus Christ. we reflected on his message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. It also provide us the much needed courage, aspiration and commitment to create a better tomorrow for the next generation
“As we begin the New Year today, let those of us, who are privileged to witness it give praise and thanks to the Almighty for his many blessings bestowed upon us as a
People, Association and as an individual.
” A New Year is a time of reflection – things accomplished and those left unaccomplished. we can say that to God be the glory for the current status of our Association.
He also described the New Year as a time for resolutions and looking forward toward the future harping on the need to unite and to fight common enemies which he revealed as the slave masters and capitalists.
The President reiterated that more Collective Bargaining Arrangement (CBA) is needed to promoting welfare of the association and members .
Yousuo pointed out “The New Year is also a time for resolutions and looking forward toward the future. You will all believe me that we have a lot to do in the areas of having more CBAs. We must be United to fight our common enemies (the slave masters- Capitalists) .
” it is my prayer that we will forge a new path in making sure that the rights of Nigeria Seafarers are not trampled upon by the massive influx of foreign seafarers. I urge us all to promote unity amongst ourselves
and effectively utilize every opportunity
accorded us as we work collectively in building a better NMNOWTSSA.
“I reckon that we were able to sail through the toughest time successfully last year because of your prayers, support and cooperation, and I’m looking forward to more of your involvement and engagement as we take on new responsibilities and proffer solutions in addressing the challenges that lie ahead of us as the statutory Association catering for Nigeria Seafarers- Officers.
” I as the National President of our Association has opined time and time that when we place and think of our NMNOWTSSA first before ourselves, then we are indirectly building ourselves as well. We must be good ambassadors of the Association. Rome was not build in a day as such I saw the very brighter light at the end of the tunnel. We must strive to give our best.
“As we begin the New Year, It is my desire that we will be more formidable to improve on our previous achievements to making our association has the global respects and recognition it deserves. We must take it to the next level. With God on our side, we are bound for success!
“I appreciate the privilege given to me to serve as the National President of our great Association despite I’m not the best Nigeria Seafarer. Its on this premise that I will give my best to better the life of Nigeria Seafarers in the areas of good CBA that takes care of their welfare and well beings. I will adhere strictly to the Vision and Mission of our Association, welcome constructive criticism and not to bothered about our distractors- who have nothing to offer.
“I pray for God’s guidance in representing the good Nigeria Seafarers in the direction of peace and inclusiveness both within and globally. I equally wish all Nigeria Seafarers (both home and abroad) good health and divine prosperity in 2025”, Yousuo prayed.
