365NEWS gathered that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) have successfully reached an agreement to establish minimum standards for workers’ conditions in the shipping industry.
This milestone comes after nearly two decades of struggle and unsuccessful negotiations.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) played a crucial role in facilitating the agreement on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which now sets the benchmark for workers’ pay and benefits in Nigeria’s shipping sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; CEOs of major shipping companies in Nigeria; MWUN President-General Prince Adewale Adeyanju; Union Secretary-General Felix Akingboye; and other MWUN officials.
Minister Oyetola emphasized that the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare. He stated, “This agreement is a clear sign of our commitment to ensuring workers’ rights are respected in the industry.
We will focus on safety and health standards, providing workers with the training and resources they need to work safely. Uniform standards will ensure fair treatment across the maritime sector, preventing exploitation and encouraging ethical practices.”
Prince Adeyanju hailed the agreement as a “significant milestone” in the union’s efforts to end unfair labor practices and improve working conditions in the shipping industry. He remarked, “It has been a long and challenging journey, but we have finally achieved this important milestone. This agreement will lead to a fairer and more prosperous future for both employees and employers.”
Additionally, he noted that the new minimum wage of N200,000 would be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains equitable and reflective of the current economic conditions.
