- MWUN celebrates historic accomplishment
- Shippers’ Council to introduce ERPP
As part of efforts to improve the welfare of workers, shipping agencies under the aegis of Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) have signed a new minimum wage of N200,000 for employees under shipping agencies.
The President of SACFEA, Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN), disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the signing ceremony organized by Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) between SACFEA and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
Alabi noted that the new minimum conditions of service for workers under shipping places the group’s basic salary as the highest in any industry across the nation.
Her words: “The most significant thing is that in setting a minimum standard for the shipping industry, we have gone above and beyond any other industry in Nigeria. The national minimum wage is N70,000 and we know what it took to get the federal government to get to that point. By virtue of the agreement we have signed today, our minimum wage is N200,000. It is almost triple the national minimum wage.”
“While the workers were asking for N160,000, it is important to note that the employers went above to do N200,000 because they understand the situation in the country and want to ensure that everyone is happy. We don’t just want the workers to live, but to work and save for their future.”
Alabi expressed optimism that the new agreement would assist the nation’s blue economy growth via uniformity with the minimum standards and enhanced productivity and efficiency.
“With minimum standards, we would no longer have charlatans in the system. We are also looking at the developments in other parts of the world with a view to improving the practice in Nigeria. One of the challenges in the country is the cost of doing business. This development will enable us reduce the cost of doing business and compete favorably,” she added.
Also speaking, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, admonished the workers at shipping agencies to increase their level of productivity and efficiency as a reward for the improved conditions agreed by their employers.
“I enjoin the labour unions to remain steadfast and vibrant in advocating for the rights of workers by ensuring compliance with the agreed standards. Government will on its own part continue to provide oversight by providing the enabling environment for compliance and continuous improvement.”
“As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders uphold the tenets of this agreement. I urge employers in the industry to embrace these conditions as a catalyst for fostering a positive work environment,” the Minister said.
On the other hand, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju conveyed the labour unions gratitude for the feat even as he assured higher performance of shipping workers.
Adeyanju, who is also the Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said: “as we celebrate this achievement, let us also remember that our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for the right and interest of maritime workers and the employers for peaceful industrial harmony.”
“On this note I congratulate all of us and reiterate Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria assurance to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders for the benefit of the industry.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, attributed the attainment to the exemplary leadership of Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola, even as he commended the MWUN and SACFEA leaders.
Akutah argued that the success demonstrates the love for the welfare of workers that Hon. Oyetola’s leadership epitomizes, while he acknowledged the ministry’s improvement via teamwork and collaborations.
Shippers’ Council also seized the opportunity to demonstrate the application of its E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP), emphasizing that capital flight will be curbed as billions of naira will be saved for the nation’s economy.
The NSC boss hinted that the initiative will be launched as soon as the Minister gives an approval, adding that the Council also intends to engage other port stakeholders on the project.
The event was graced by several industry bigwigs including the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Badmus; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jubril Abba; Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN); former Director, Consumer Affairs, NSC, Chief Cajetan Agu; among others.
