Familiarization visit: MWUN, PTML discuss decasualization, training

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, led a delegation to Ports & Terminals Multipurpose Limited (PTML) for a familiarization visit, where they discussed decasualization, training, and other issues crucial to the maritime industry.

Comrade Bunu explained that the visit to PTML, situated at Apapa Quays, Lagos, was aimed at familiarizing himself and his executives with the management of the multinational company, particularly introducing the newly elected officials to their designated roles. Stressing that the objective underscored the importance of the interface meeting.

In an e-signed release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, the Union’s contingent was warmly received by PTML’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Nitin Senan, who represented the Managing Director, Mr. Ascanio Ruso, who was indisposed. Mr. Senan expressed gratitude to Comrade Bunu for the visit and introduced his team, including Mr. Raul Bhargava, Chief Finance Officer (CFO); Mr. Daniel Uti, Human Resource Manager, Grimaldi Agency Nigeria; and Janel, Chairman of the Agency.

The Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of PTML, Mr. Nitin Senan, highlighted the company’s robust relationship with the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), noting that their cordial ties over decades have been unwavering. Having known Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, the Union’s President-General, for twenty years, Senan expressed delight in working with the union leadership.

He also acknowledged Comrade Tajudeen Abass, President of the Shipping Branch, congratulating them on their recent landslide victory in the union’s elections. Senan emphasized that the visit was an opportunity to appreciate the strong partnership between PTML and MWUN, built on a solid foundation.

He stressed that the company remains open to new ideas that promote mutual growth, development, and benefits for both parties, ensuring they stay aligned with global and national progress in the maritime sector. Senan expressed his happiness in receiving the union and pledged PTML’s continued partnership with MWUN, citing their longstanding synergy in Nigeria’s maritime space.

Comrade Tajudeen Abass, in a similar vein, stated that the Union’s President-General, Comrade Bunu, had desired this familiarization visit to strengthen ties with PTML’s management. Abass echoed Comrade Bunu’s sentiments, emphasizing that a physical meeting was essential to discuss key issues affecting union members.

The Shipping Branch President, Comrade Tajudeen Abass, presented key demands to the management, primarily focusing on the decasualization of Union members employed by APMT. While making the demands, Comrade Abass suggested that the decasualization process could be implemented systematically on a monthly basis, ensuring a progressive and structured approach.

Additionally, he emphasized the need for worker training on the e-system, with a focus on practical skills such as handling and moving items and equipment within the terminals, as well as recognizing hazardous materials and understanding their impact on workers. Comrade Abass concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage with PTML management.