Shipping and maritime workers secure N200,000 minimum wage as FG resolves 20-year labour dispute.
Shipping agencies under the aegis of Shipping Agencies, Clearing, and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have signed a landmark agreement, establishing a minimum wage of N200,000 for workers in the shipping subsector.
This monumental deal, which will be reviewed every two years, marks the resolution of a labour dispute that had persisted for over 20 years, hindering the growth and harmony of the sector.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), played an instrumental role in brokering this historic agreement.
After years of stalled negotiations and industrial unrest, the government’s decisive intervention has finally paved the way for improved working conditions in the maritime industry, providing a much-needed boost to worker morale and sector stability.
At the signing ceremony in Lagos at the weekend, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s history.
He emphasized that the agreement is more than just a piece of paper; it represents the end of years of bitter disputes and a new beginning for maritime workers and employers alike.
“This agreement is a watershed moment in our maritime industry,” Oyetola stated. “It not only secures a fair and dignified working environment for our maritime workers but also reflects the Tinubu administration’s deep commitment to enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers across all sectors.
”Oyetola further highlighted that this agreement ensures that the maritime sector, a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, is built on principles of respect and dignity for its workforce. He pointed out that the government’s proactive approach to resolving this long-standing dispute is indicative of its broader commitment to fostering industrial harmony and economic progress.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, stressed the importance of stability in the maritime sector.
He called on all stakeholders to work together in maintaining the newfound peace and promoting sustained growth in the industry. Akutah also praised the Minister’s dedication to worker welfare and commended the leadership of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President General of MWUN, for his relentless efforts in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
“The success of these negotiations is a testament to the power of cooperation and dialogue,” Akutah remarked. “The collaborative spirit demonstrated by all parties involved has set a new standard for labour relations in the maritime sector.”
Speaking on behalf of the MWUN, Comrade Adeyanju expressed his immense satisfaction with the agreement, which he described as the culmination of years of tireless efforts. He noted that the signing of the agreement marks the end of a long and difficult journey, but more importantly, it ushers in a new era of industrial harmony and progress in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“This agreement is not just a victory for maritime workers; it is a victory for the entire industry,” Adeyanju declared. “We have finally secured a fair and just resolution to our long-standing grievances, and we look forward to a brighter future for all stakeholders in the maritime sector.
”Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN), President of SACFEA, also expressed her relief and optimism at the conclusion of the negotiations. She acknowledged the challenges faced during the process but credited the persistence and determination of all parties involved, particularly the decisive intervention of the Blue Economy Minister, Mr. Oyetola, for bringing the negotiations to a successful end.
“This agreement represents a new beginning for the maritime industry,” Alabi said. “It is a social partnership for progress, and the newly established minimum wage sets a new benchmark for the industry. We are confident that this will lead to greater stability and growth in the sector.”
The resolution of this 20-year labour dispute is a significant achievement for Nigeria’s maritime industry, promising a new era of cooperation and progress. With the minimum wage agreement in place, the sector is poised for a period of renewed growth and stability, benefitting workers, employers, and the broader economy alike.
