May Day: Merchant Navy charges Oyetola, NIMASA on improved CoC for Nigerian seafarers.
...salutes Nigerian workers for doggedness, professionalism despite economic hardship
The Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola to direct the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to engage in bilateral/multilateral agreements with maritime nations for a recognised Certificate of Competence (CoC) for the country.
He stated that the globally recognised and accepted certificate will afford Nigerian seafarers more employment opportunities.
National President of the Trade Union affiliate, Comrade Bob Yousou made the call in a message to the workers in commemoration of 2024 worker’s day celebration.
Speaking further, he urged federal government to expedite actions on the revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery to commence operations to alleviate the sufferings of the Nigerian masses.
He nudged the government to do something about the fuel scarcity and high cost of goods in the country.
Yousou who doubles as the number one seafarer in Africa, reiterated the need for better pay for seafarers in line with the global best practices
He pleaded with the federal and state governments to consider the plight of Nigerian workers by giving them living wages because of the economic hardship in the country.
Comrade Engr. Yousou also called on the federal government to revisit the issue of electricity and telecom tariffs for downward review to make life bearable for Nigerian workers
He however appreciated the Nigerian seafarers for their doggedness and professionalism with which they discharge their duties despite the hardship in the country saying that workers should be united and resist the slave masters.
