LAGOS, Nigeria — President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Abi Bunu, has commended the signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the NPA Senior Staff Union, describing the agreement as a significant victory for workers in the Nigerian maritime industry.
The landmark agreement provides substantial improvements in workers’ remuneration, with salary and various allowances reportedly receiving increases of up to 150 per cent. The enhanced benefits cover overtime, weekend and public holiday allowances, as well as transport, feeding, housing, utility and hazardous allowances.
According to Comrade Abi Bunu, the development demonstrates what can be achieved when workers’ welfare is placed at the centre of genuine negotiation, dialogue and collective engagement.
He commended the leadership of MWUN, SSASCGOC and LFT management for successfully concluding the negotiations after months of painstaking discussions without resorting to industrial action.
“For me, this achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when workers’ welfare is placed at the heart of genuine negotiation and dialogue,” Comrade Abi Bunu said.
He described the agreement as a positive development for the Nigerian maritime industry, noting that it reinforces the principle that workers deserve fair, competitive and commensurate remuneration for their contributions.
Hope for Improved Welfare Across Port Terminals
The MWUN President-General also expressed optimism over the proposed commencement of the General Dockworkers NJIC, describing it as another important step towards strengthening workers’ welfare across Nigerian port terminals.
He said the initiative, when fully implemented, has the potential to further improve employment conditions and promote greater stability within the maritime sector.
“This is a welcome step forward, and I look forward to seeing the gains of this agreement translate into better working conditions, improved productivity and greater prosperity for maritime workers,” he added.
The signing of the CBA is expected to deepen industrial harmony between employers and workers while creating a stronger foundation for improved productivity and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
For stakeholders in the sector, the agreement also highlights the importance of constructive collective bargaining as a means of addressing workers’ concerns and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes without disrupting port operations.
Discover more from starmich blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
