As the global maritime community commemorates the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has paid tribute to seafarers for their courage and resilience in navigating increasingly dangerous waters shaped by geopolitical conflicts and security threats. While celebrating the invaluable contributions of mariners to global commerce, the maritime labour leader also called for improved welfare, stronger support for maritime training, and the revival of Nigeria’s national shipping line to secure the future of indigenous seafarers.
The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has joined maritime stakeholders across the world in celebrating the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, describing seafarers as the backbone of international trade whose sacrifices often go unnoticed despite the critical role they play in sustaining the global economy.
Observed annually, the Day of the Seafarer is dedicated to recognising the contributions of maritime professionals who keep goods moving across continents and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce. This year’s theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks,” highlights the growing challenges confronting seafarers amid rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns across major shipping routes.
According to Comrade Bunu, the theme reflects the harsh realities faced daily by mariners navigating volatile regions such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Red Sea, where international conflicts and security threats have heightened operational risks and uncertainty.
He noted that while seafarers continue to perform their duties with remarkable professionalism and commitment, the global maritime community must recognise that they should never become victims or collateral casualties of geopolitical disputes beyond their control.
The maritime labour leader stressed that every Day of the Seafarer serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by mariners who brave difficult conditions to keep world trade moving, often at great personal risk.
“Seafarers remain the invisible workforce behind global trade. Despite insecurity, conflicts and uncertainty across international waters, they continue to demonstrate resilience, discipline and dedication to duty,” he said.
Bunu, himself an experienced seafarer and maritime professional, commended Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world for their unwavering commitment, loyalty and courage in the face of growing challenges confronting the industry.
However, while celebrating their contributions, he expressed serious concerns over issues affecting the development of Nigeria’s maritime manpower and shipping capacity.
One of such concerns, he noted, is the condition of the Maritime Academy in Oron, where graduates are produced annually but often face difficulties obtaining the certifications and sea-time experience necessary to compete effectively in the global maritime labour market.
According to him, the situation has left many young maritime graduates unemployed and struggling to find opportunities within the sector despite years of training and investment in their education.
He described the development as a matter of urgent national concern, stressing that Nigeria cannot fully harness its maritime potential without adequately preparing and empowering the next generation of seafarers.
The MWUN President-General also lamented the absence of a functional national shipping carrier, recalling the era of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), which he described as a source of pride for Nigerian seafarers and a major platform for employment and professional development.
Bunu noted that successive governments have failed to address the vacuum created by the collapse of the national carrier, a situation he believes has negatively affected the growth of indigenous shipping and maritime employment opportunities.
He therefore called on the Federal Government and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to champion efforts aimed at restoring a national shipping line that would once again fly the Nigerian flag on international waters and create opportunities for local seafarers.
According to him, the revival of a national carrier would not only strengthen Nigeria’s presence in global shipping but also provide practical training opportunities, employment and career advancement for thousands of maritime professionals.
The labour leader further applauded stakeholders, employers and practitioners within the maritime industry for their contributions to the growth of the sector and for maintaining cordial relationships with the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that with the right policies, investments and commitment from stakeholders, Nigeria’s maritime industry can reclaim its rightful place among leading maritime nations.
As the world celebrates the men and women who keep international trade afloat, Bunu urged governments, regulators and industry players to place greater emphasis on the welfare, safety and professional development of seafarers.
For him, recognising seafarers should go beyond annual celebrations and extend to concrete actions that improve their working conditions, protect their rights and create opportunities for future generations.
He concluded by congratulating Nigerian seafarers and maritime professionals worldwide on the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, expressing confidence that the sector will continue to grow and contribute significantly to national development and global commerce.
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