Leadership Summit: “Labour union is an economic necessity” – Comrade Bunu, MWUN PG
...as Bodunde, Bunu, Onome, Coker, others received distinguished personality awards.
Segun Oladipupo
Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, the President General, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Saturday, said unionism is imperative for the stability and growth of the country’s economy.
He stated this at the 7th Global Leadership Summit & Awards organised by Searchlight Global Media in Lagos.
According to Bunu who was represented at the event by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media of MWUN, the role of labour unity in building strong institutions and driving Nigeria’s national development, is crucial.
He further highlighted how the maritime secto that is responsible for over 80% of Nigeria’s international trade, relies heavily on the cohesion, professionalism, and welfare of its workforce.
In his presentation titled “Building Institutional Strength Through Labour Unity: The Role of Maritime Workers in National Development,” Abi outlined how a united maritime workforce enhances organizational coherence, operational predictability, and institutional legitimacy.
He underscored that collective bargaining serves as a constructive mechanism to balance interests among workers, employers, and government, improving policy implementation and reducing industrial disputes.
Bunu also drew attention to the human dimension of maritime labor, advocating for prioritized welfare, continuous training, safety guarantees, and dignified work environments to boost morale and productivity.
He pointed out that maritime workers’ contribution stretches beyond ports—impacting trade volumes, revenue mobilization, national food security, and foreign investment decisions.
Any disruption in port operations, even for a day, has significant economic repercussions, making labour unity an economic necessity.
Facing emerging challenges such as automation, maritime insecurity, and policy inconsistencies, the PG called for sustained investment in capacity development, technological literacy, fair labor practices, and youth inclusion to ensure sustainable growth in the blue economy and global shipping competitiveness.Concluding,
Comrade Bunu reminded the summit participants that institutions grow when workers grow, and unity acts as the vital bridge between worker welfare and national progress.
Highpoint if the event was the presentation of awards to the President of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch, Comrade Akinola Bodunde; President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Francis Bunu by the organisers of the annual event.
President of NAGAFF , High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi and Assistant Controller at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal KLT Command of Nigeria Customs Service,AC Francis Ogbemudia were also awards recipients.
Others honoured :include Prince Wale Cole, Chairman Tincan Island chapter of the Association of Nigerian. licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) as well as the Public Relations Officer of the Chapter; Joy Onome Monije,.
Deputy Controller of Customs; DC Nkiru Iwala, Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Nigeria Customs Service; Comptroller Frank Onyeka; and Assistant Comptroller General, Nigeri
a Customs Service, ACG Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu
