Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for minimum condition of service for workers.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Eko Hotel in Lagos,  on Saturday,  was witnessed by the Minister of Marine amd Blue Economy, Adegboyea Oyetola.
The event was also  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.

Oyetola said that the agreement ensures that the industry is built on respect as the workforce are treated with dignity.

“We are showing by this agreement that we nurture and support all those who are contributing to the growth of the blue economy.

This is a reflection of the trajectory of the administration of President Bola Tinubu and by establishing this, the federal government is enhancing workers welfare.”

“We have seen today that a lot can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. We are also promoting safety standards, encouraging fair competition for level-playing field and enhancing trust in the system,” the Minister said.

We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, commended the MWUN and SACFEA leaders.

“One thing I have picked from the Minister is his love for the welfare of workers. You have pushed us to get to this level and I want to take this opportunity to commend your Chief of Staff for pushing us to achieve excellence via teamwork and collaboration,” Akutah said.

Also, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, expressed delight at the agreement which he described as the end of an exhausting journey spanning several years and countless engaging meetings and hiccups.

“We finally arrive at this glorious moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the eventual implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Condition of Service for Workers in the Regulated Sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub-sector.”

On her part, the President of SACFEA, Mrs. Boma Alabi, applauded the roles of the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, and the President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.

“I truly believe that this is a social partnership for progress. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets which is our workers. We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to. I am happy to announce that this standard is the highest in any industry in the country,” Alabi said.