MWUN Urges FG To Extend Border Closure Indefinitely

By Roland Ekama, Lagos

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) ,has urged  the federal government to  shutdown the land borders indefinitely, as port operations and ships calling at the nation’s seaports have increased in the last five months.

MWUN President General , Comrade Adewale Adeyanju who disclosed this in Lagos recently ,said diversion of cargo to neighbouring ports dropped  and workers engagement in terms of labour productivity has increased significantly.

While highlighting the importance and progress recorded due to the border closure , Adeyanju reiterated that vehicles importation also thrived within the period of the exercise last year; even as he pointed out that Roll On Roll Off (RORO) operations were gradually improving in the nation’s seaports.

According to him, the federal government and security agencies must be commended over the closure of the international frontiers ,as “made in Nigeria” goods have been accepted by the masses.

“The border closure exercise must be commended because we have seen the impact it has contributed to the nation’s economy.

” No doubt vessel traffic has improved in our ports, locally made goods have been accepted by us.

“Smuggling of cars from the border posts dropped and port operations improved by at least 30%, so I think the federal government must be commended for this action.

” I want to suggest to the government to further extend the border closure for a very long time to enable us regain our lost glory”, the union leader affirmed.

Speaking further,the MWUN boss said: “In the last quarter of 2019, RORO operations improved tremendously and we will like this exercise to continue.

He also urged rice farmers and millers to improve on the quality of rice currently for sale in local markets across the country.