NJIC : Dockworkers President Raises Concerns Over Outstations Low remuneration

By Roland Ekama 

 

Dockworkers Branch President of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Bolaji Agboola, has reassured dockers that their welfare remains a top priority in his administration.

The newly elected president, who expressed concern over the poor remuneration of dockworkers in outstations, vowed to address employers who have yet to meet the minimum standards set by the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). He also expressed disappointment with the attitude of some terminal operators in the eastern ports.

Agboola, speaking recently to newsmen, stated that the NJIC is a key area that must be reviewed to improve the conditions of workers.

According to him, unionism and leadership revolve around securing better welfare packages for workers.

The Dockworkers Branch President also promised to hit the ground running to resolve disputes among dockers at Tin Can Island Port, stressing that members of the branch cannot continue to be in conflict during his tenure.

He disclosed that discussions with aggrieved dockworkers are ongoing to address and resolve the issues comprehensively.

Agboola expressed commitment to building on the achievements of his predecessor and past leaders, stating, “The past president has set the standard for all of us to follow, so we must build on it.”

He pledged to improve upon where the past president left off, noting that efforts would be made to cover areas not adequately addressed in the current agreement.

The president said, “When we traveled to Port Harcourt, we noticed that some terminals are not using the current NJIC rates. They are still using outdated rates, which is very disappointing.

“We are reviewing all these areas to ensure that when we sign the next NJIC agreement, everything will be properly covered.”

Speaking about his successful tenure as district chairman at ENL Terminal, especially in maintaining industrial peace, Agboola promised to replicate those achievements at the presidential level.

“Our achievements at ENL Terminal, where I served as district chairman, are evident. We will apply the same principles at the Dockworkers Branch level.

“We will sustain peace at the port. The only area with problems is Tin Can Island, but my leadership will do everything possible to resolve issues there,” he said.

He affirmed that discussions with aggrieved dockworkers are ongoing to find lasting solutions.

“My branch executives and I are committed to ensuring peace. We will not give up on that,” he added.

On the forthcoming district elections, Agboola emphasized the importance of careful candidate selection to avoid past mistakes.

“We don’t want past errors to repeat themselves. We need to carefully evaluate who will come on board,” he stated, highlighting the need for leaders who genuinely advocate for workers’ rights.

“We want someone who will fight for workers’ rights, not a selfish district or unit chairman. That’s why we must take our time to study all candidates to ensure they are committed to the workers,” he concluded.