Maritime Workers Issue 7-Day Strike Notice Over 50% Deduction from NPA’s Internally Generated Revenue

Maritime workers in Nigeria have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to stop the implementation of the presidential directive on the 50% automatic deduction from the Internally Generated Revenue of Federal Government-owned enterprises, as it affects the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The workers, represented by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), have threatened to shut down all port activities if the deduction continues.

The statement, jointly signed by the President-General and Secretary-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju and Felix Akingboye, and the President and Acting General Secretary of SSASCGOC, Akinola Bodunde, and Eko Alli, urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.

They warned that if the policy is not reversed, it would lead to irreversible industrial action and economic damage to the nation.

The workers argue that the Nigerian Ports Authority is self-funded and receives zero allocation from the government budget.

They emphasize that the NPA needs to retain most, if not all, of the funds it generates to be able to continue to effectively discharge its duties, which include regular maintenance of ports, jetties, and terminals, as well as manpower development and corporate social responsibility.

The statement also highlighted the negative effects of the 50% automatic deduction policy on the Nigerian Ports Authority, arguing that it threatens the growth, operations, and very existence of the organization.

The workers believe that the policy is not in the best interest of the maritime sector and could potentially harm the economy.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will heed the maritime workers’ demands and address their concerns regarding the 50% automatic deduction policy.

If not, the threatened strike action could have far-reaching consequences for the maritime sector and the economy as a whole.