‘Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks’: MWUN salutes seafarers, pushes for better conditions

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has paid tribute to seafarers across the world for their critical role in sustaining global commerce, while calling for improved welfare, stronger protection and greater investment in the development of maritime professionals.

The President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, made the call in a statement commemorating the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, celebrated annually on June 26. He noted that this year’s theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks,” aptly reflects the realities faced by seafarers who continue to navigate dangerous waters amid rising geopolitical tensions and security challenges.

In an e-signed release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, President Bunu stated that maritime professionals remain at the heart of global supply chains, ensuring the movement of goods, energy products and essential commodities across continents despite increasing threats in key international shipping routes.

He pointed to the security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as examples of regions where seafarers are routinely exposed to risks while carrying out their duties.

The MWUN leader stressed that seafarers should not become victims of geopolitical conflicts, noting that their contribution to the global economy deserves greater recognition and protection from governments and international institutions.

“Every year, the Day of the Seafarer provides an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices, resilience and commitment of maritime workers who keep world trade moving under difficult circumstances. They carry global commerce on their shoulders and should not be left to bear the risks alone,” he said.

Bunu commended Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts around the world for their professionalism, discipline and dedication despite the uncertainties that continue to characterize the maritime sector.

Beyond global security concerns, the labour leader expressed worry over challenges facing the development of seafaring careers in Nigeria, particularly the issue of inadequate professional certifications for graduates of maritime institutions.

He lamented that many graduates of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, struggle to compete favourably in the international labour market due to gaps in certification and practical sea-time training requirements.

According to him, the situation has contributed to growing unemployment among trained maritime professionals and requires urgent intervention from relevant authorities.

Bunu also renewed calls for the revival of a national shipping carrier, arguing that the absence of an indigenous fleet continues to limit employment opportunities and career advancement for Nigerian seafarers.

He recalled the era of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), describing it as a source of pride for the nation and a platform that provided training and employment opportunities for generations of maritime professionals.

The MWUN President-General urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to prioritise efforts aimed at establishing a viable national carrier capable of creating jobs, enhancing local shipping capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global maritime industry.

He maintained that a functional national fleet would not only boost the country’s maritime profile but also provide the practical training opportunities required for Nigerian seafarers to meet international standards.

While appreciating stakeholders within the maritime sector for their continued collaboration with the union, Bunu expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and strategic investments would unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime economy.

He reaffirmed MWUN’s commitment to advocating improved working conditions, career development opportunities and enhanced welfare for seafarers, describing them as indispensable partners in global trade and economic development.