ITF Vice President Adeyanju bags Peace Award, pushes for better workers’ welfare

…Praises NWUN President Bunu, exco as sellable, marketable, reliable

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, First Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Vice President has been honored with the Ambassador of Peace Award at the 16th Success in Leadership Conference.

Adeyanju, who is immediate past President General of Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, at the award ceremony last Saturday emphasized the importance of unionization of transport workers for better welfare packages and noted that the ITF will further assist in improving workers’ welfare negotiation in line with global best practices.

He re-emphasized that other African countries are beginning to adopt the Collective Bargaining Agreement model of Nigeria which according to him, is a better welfare package for maritime workers.

The award recipient added that some African countries are yet to understand the benefits and importance of CBA.

The NLC boss disclosed that funds have been made available by ITF for securing a permanent guiding which will serve as a centre for transport workers in the continent.

According to him, unionization of transport workers was key towards ensuring better welfare packages for affiliate unions of ITF in the continent , saying that much has not been achieved in terms of CBA.

He also disclosed that ITF is set to host regional conference billed to hold in the last quarter of 2025, adding that the programme would address critical issues affecting workers welfare in the continent.

The union leader who spoke on the sidelines of the event noted that some countries in the continent rely on employers’ salary structure which according to him, negates international best practices.

While speaking about the MWUN newly elected executives from national to the four branches, Adeyanju re-echoed that the incumbent President General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has the qualities of a good leader, while pointing out that “Bunu is sellable, marketable and reliable”.

He further expressed optimism and satisfaction that all elected executives from the national and branches have what it takes to move the union to greater heights.

The union leader further affirmed that moves are on going to ensuring that a benefitting centre for ITF presence in Nigeria, noting that relevant government agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has concluded plans to secure a landed property for that project.

On renewal of port concession agreement, he said the Nigerian concessionaires have contributed and deserved renewal to strengthen the capacities of indigenous companies.