As part of efforts to project the views and activities of workers in the maritime sector, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has launched its new magazine known as “Maritime Labour Voice.”
The event which took place today (Wednesday) at the Rock View Hotels, Apapa, Lagos was graced by dignitaries in the maritime sector, including the Chairperson of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup.
Speaking at the event, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju stated that the magazine was created to promote harmonious working environment that will stimulate industrial peace and represent the voice of the voiceless.
According to him, the new publication ‘Maritime Labour Voice’ is the outcome of the collective dream of the leaders and members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
Adeyanju, however, stressed that Nigeria is a maritime nation blessed with valuable water resources that contribute immensely to the socio-economic development of the country in terms of food, mineral resources and marine transport.
The MWUN boss observed that the government must have a positive response to threats posed by the reckless use of the oceans led to the creation of the Blue Economy.
As Chairman of the event, Princess Vicky Haastrup said the initiative to establish the magazine is timely as it will enable the sector to understand the maritime workers better.
She congratulated MWUN for their consistency in contributing immensely to the growth of the Maritime sector while appreciating Comrade Adeyanju for his leadership style of negotiation and pledging her support to the union.
Representing the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, Mrs Sarah Bala described the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as a game changer in Nigeria as its importance cannot be over-emphasized.
While commending the Union for the novel initiative which led to publishing the magazine, she emphasized on the sustainable approaches and diligence to keep the publication running.
Comrade Hauwa Mohammed from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) while delivering a speech on the topic: “Mid-streaming Labour Rights and Climate Justice in a Blue Economy,” observed that the world has been going through economic crisis for the past 30 years alongside climate change which is the exploitation of the resources of the land.
She recalled that before now, black gold was the major economy in the world but now the world is about to explore the opportunities inherent in the waters for the blue economy.
According to her, Maritime Labour Voice could also be utilized for education about maritime issues as well as partnering with institutions that can help with researches around implications of governmental policies and answering questions on how the actions of government will affect the Blue Economy.