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Two-decades battle: MWUN, shipping firms sign groundbreaking wage agreement

L-R: Boma Alabi, Chairman of SACFEA; Barr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council: Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and others at the signing of the minimum wage agreement in Lagos on Friday

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

After more than two decades of struggle and stalled negotiations, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) have finally reached a historic agreement on minimum standards for the conditions of service for shipping industry workers.

This landmark deal, facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, is a major milestone for maritime workers across the nation.

The agreement, which includes a minimum wage of N200,000, was signed in Lagos in the presence of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the CEOs of major Nigerian shipping companies.

Minister Oyetola hailed the agreement as a significant achievement, emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of maritime workers.

He noted that the deal reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring safety and health standards, proper training, and ethical practices in the industry.

“This agreement is a reflection of our commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in this vital sector,” Oyetola stated.

He called on all parties to honour the agreement and foster a positive work environment, stressing the importance of treating maritime workers with dignity, given their critical role in the economy.

Gboyega and Adeyanju

MWUN President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, praised the agreement as a “significant milestone” in the union’s efforts to improve working conditions in the shipping sector.

He emphasised that the new minimum wage would be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains fair and aligned with economic realities.

“This signing paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for both employees and employers,” Adeyanju said. He also highlighted MWUN’s shift towards dialogue and negotiation over strikes, thanking stakeholders for their cooperation.

SACFEA Chairman Boma Alabi described the agreed minimum standard as “the highest in any industry in Nigeria” and expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for their support in reaching the agreement.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, praised both MWUN and SACFEA for their commitment to dialogue and cooperation, emphasising that these efforts are crucial for the maritime sector’s growth and stability.

Representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also commended the agreement, which is seen as a turning point in fostering fair labor practices and a more harmonious working environment in Nigeria’s shipping sector.