IMD 2025: MWUN PG urges maritime stakeholders to prioritize safety, security, environmental protection

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by President-General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has join the maritime global community to celebrate International Maritime Day (IMD) 2025.

The annual event has it’s theme for 2025, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, emphasizing the ocean’s role in the economy, climate and humanity’s sustainable practices.

In a release signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade Abi toured littoral states including Delta and Rivers, visiting Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Warri and Julius Berger Plc Warri.

Addressing maritime workers and stakeholders on safety, security (ISPS code), pollution prevention and protecting the Blue Economy.

The MWUN boss said that the issue of pollution is not properly adhered to while on sea would destroy our sea food, and would make both local and international sea trade less attractive in all ramifications. And it would be detrimental to the Blue Economy institution the country is building; therefore as Maritimers, we are always sailing on ocean going vessels, therefore, we must be able to protect our nature for the benefit of mankind.

He however advised on the climate change regulations, which has been a regular global topic by various governments of the world on the need for a proper enforcement of adopted regulations the protection of our global environment from hazardous emissions into the world space.

He also noted locally here in Nigeria, saying all the terminals and quay aprons must always be cleaned at all times to avoid waste products, such as, sharp objects, bottle waters, and exhausted soft drink bottles and the likes slipping into the sea as these are also agents of pollution on our waters with health implications on Sailors on board and Port Operators ashore as well.

Comrade Bunu further said that, Maritimers are the only ones who can protect our ocean, which is our heritage, our pride and our joy, and that irrespective of colour, tribe, descent and nationality, the ocean is ours globally, therefore, we must protect our own always.

In view of all that the ocean benefits mankind, we must protect it by abiding by all the set international rules, obligation and standards to make sure it thrives for the benefits of humanity.

He also used the IMD occasion to appreciate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Executive Director of Shippers Council (NSC), Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); The Chairman, Boat Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN), Ship Owners Association of Nigeria), The Executive Director, Nigeria Management and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and all other stakeholders in the maritime sector for their immense support for the Maritime Workers Union always.

The foremost maritime workers leader thanked all the dignitaries, top government functionary, private individuals and members of the Armed Forces, Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Maritime Industries, who took their time to grace the very auspicious occasion.

MWUN’s IMD 2025 celebrations highlighted oceans’ benefits to mankind including jobs, trade, food and climate regulation, calling for collective action by maritimers globally to protect this shared heritage irrespective of nationality or background.