Dockworker’s Day: MWUN seeks standard employment practices, reconstitution of gangway security men
Dockworker's Day: MWUN seeks standard employment practices, reconstitution of gangway security men
Segun Oladipupo
The President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, on Tuesday in Lagos, reiterated the call for the reconstitution of the pool of rally clerks and onboard ship gangway security men.
Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Dockworker, the union leader maintained that the reconstitution of the gangway security men has become necessary because of the increasing spate of insecurity in the land
He added that the volume of goods coming into the country are presently not quantifiable saying it is the professionals that will help determine the actual quantity to avoid short-changing the government in terms of revenue accruable to it
He also enjoined the federal government to enforce safety standards and regulations in ports, terminals, jetties and oil and gas platform operations saying the safety of dockworkers is paramount
Speaking further, the vibrant union leader asked that the federal government through NIMASA provide health and welfare facilities, enhancement of remunerations and allowances for the workers who help described as essential workers
According to him, it is pertinent to provide uniform condition of service and standard employment practices as well as constant trainings to keep abreast of emerging technologies in the world.
His words, “Consequently, I wish to use this medium to call on the Federal Government to re-constitute the pool of Rally Clerks and On-board ship Gangway security men, enforce safety standards and regulations in port, terminal, jetties and all oil and gas platform operations.
” Provision of health and welfare facilities, enhancement of remunerations and allowances, enforce uniform condition of service and standard employment practices and the necessary provision of training from time to time especially in this current era of our technology driven environment and importantly, enforce provision of proper Personal Protective Equipment +PPE).”
Earlier, Comrade Bunu appreciated the dockworkers who keep the ports, jetties, terminals and offshore platforms running despite the numerous challenges saying without their dedication, maritime operations would not thrive.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola emphasised the importance of collaboration between the stakeholders and the agency for improved maritime saying it is germane to consider the future of the industry
The Minister who was represented at the event by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola lauded the dockworkers for their vitality in the chain
He called on the employers of labour to make sure that the working environment is safe, decent and secure.
