Maritime Workers Suspend Action to Shut Down Seaports Following NPA Intervention

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has suspended its planned strike action to shut down the nation’s seaports after the intervention of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

This decision was reached during a crucial meeting between the NPA and the MWUN, where the parties discussed the issues that prompted the planned strike.

The MWUN had earlier threatened to shut down the seaports nationwide on January 9, 2024, citing the refusal of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and stevedoring contractors to comply with the extant laws.

However, the intervention of the NPA led to a resolution of the issues, and the union decided to suspend the strike action.

During the meeting, the NPA’s Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, brokered a peace deal between the MWUN and marginal field operators of the oil and gas industry.

He emphasized the importance of industrial harmony and the need to prevent any shutdown of crucial production platforms that the maritime workers control.

The MWUN President-General, Adewale Adeyanju, directed all members of the union to resume normal duties with immediate effect.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and the commitment of the relevant stakeholders to address the workers’ grievances.

The suspension of the planned strike action comes as a relief to the Nigerian economy, which cannot afford any disruption at this time.

The NPA has committed to ensuring compliance with the Stevedoring regulations and has promised to facilitate meetings between the relevant regulators and the marginal field operators to ensure a smooth resolution of the issues.

The timely intervention of the NPA has averted a potentially damaging strike action by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.