SSASCGOC Maritime Felicitates Oyetola @70, Tasks Minister To Revamp Delta Ports For Optimal Utilisation

By Roland Ekama 

 

The Senior Staff Association and Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch has congratulated the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola on his 70th birthday.

The Minister of Marine and
Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola is celebrating his birthday on the 29th September 2024.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate group in a statement issued by its national President, Comrade
Akinola Bodunde on behalf of the members, prayed for good health, divine protection, success and favour.

Comrade Bodunde commended the Minister for his contributions to the maritime industry within the last one year of his administration adding that the industry is gradually making progress under the Tinubu’s leadership.

The President however called on the Minister to revisit issues affecting the Eastern seaports, mostly as it affects the Delta port.

According to the SSASCGOC Maritime Branch frontman, dredging of the Delta port is long overdue noting that vessel can no longer navigate the channel for berthing.

Bodunde stressed that revamping of the Delta port has tremendous benefits for the nation’s economy, management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), host communities within the region, jobs creation and youths restiveness.

He further appealed to the Minister to look inward on the 50% revenue deduction of the NPA by the federal government stressing that it affects the overall operational performance of Port Authority.

Bodunde added that:”We have also given the management time to resolve the federal government policy of 50/50, failure, which may result in a serious industrial action by the union. The union is 100% ready to partner with management to improve revenue and block all leakages for better performance.”

He used the birthday celebration release for the Minister to address issues affecting port infrastructure noting that lack of amenities at the seaports have affecting turn around time of ships and reduction of vessels calling into the nation’s seaports.
.

The SSASCGOC Maritime boss further maintained that “We, the Union members, remain committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian Ports Authority workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment.

“We understand the challenges NPA workers have been facing in making sure they come to work daily and the general pressure they face on a daily basis is also noted.

“This is to assure you that we are solidly with you and behind you in rectifying this social anomaly.

However, Bodunde noted that the union is 100% ready to partner with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on how to provide necessary information on how to improve revenue and block all leakages for better performance.

Bodunde also added that the union appreciated the Minister over the appointment of the management team of the NPA , mostly with the new Managing Director.