Union laments plights of members amidst COVID-19 crisis

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

In the face of the global pandemic, coronavirus that has brought the low and the mighty to their toes, the senior staff union of Seafarers in Nigeria has cried out over the plight of it’s members.

The  National President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), Comrade Bob Joseph  Yousuuo who made the call in his May Day special  message called on the federal government to create opportunity for ships to change crew to avoid fatigue capable of causing accidents.

He decried that words of mouth could not be enough to explain the sufferings an average Nigeria Seafarer & worker passes through on account of this ravaging deadly disease.

Yousuuo said, “Majority of our seafarers have suffered a lot from the non crew change resulting from restrictions in movement,  intershifts not working, making it difficult for cheque clearance as well as no chopper fly.  I strongly feel & share your pains and salute your courage.

“What we care for now is our precious lives & we believe & trust in God for His infinite mercy,  guidance and protection. He is an able God. He will surely see us through.”

The 2020 May Day celebration by the federating unions with themed, “60 Years of Nationhood: Insecurity, Wage, Poverty and the Future of Work in Nigeria”.

Comrade Yousoou added that the obligation of the union is to join hands with the Federal & State Governments to make sure the country survives the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we celebrate Nigerian workers which seafarers are part of today @ 60, we want the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to look inwardly to solving our challenges rather than relying on foreign body.

“It is also not out of place to consider the services of Seafarers as essential. It’s a known fact that about 90‰ of the World Trade is carried out by seafarers world wide.

“I am using this  May Day address to call on the Federal Government through the Minister of transport to consider Maritime sector as part of essential jobs/services as the plan to gradually ease lock down by 4th of May 2020 .

“My appeal is premised on the need to have crew change possible as most seafarers have overstayed onboard. Staying onboard more than required can cause Fatigue & stress  which can cause fatal
accident,” he said.