NLC Boss Makes Case Aged Seafarers’ Pension Payment , Hails Nigeria IMO Council Win
The immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, has praised Honourable Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for the victory of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category ‘C’ Council seat.
Adeyanju commended Oyetola’s strong and strategic campaign efforts, highlighting the victory as a historic success that elevates Nigeria’s maritime profile globally.
The unionist also applauded key maritime leaders including the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council for their coordinated efforts in securing this achievement.
In light of the win, Adeyanju urged the federal government to upgrade the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom State to enable Nigerian seafarers and dockworkers obtain their seaman’s documents domestically instead of traveling abroad.
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He expressed confidence that the collaborative spirit behind the IMO seat success could drive improvements in the academy’s standards.
Additionally, Adeyanju called for urgent government action to settle unpaid pensions of aged seafarers, many of whom are suffering in poverty and ill health while awaiting their entitlements.
He emphasized that the delay is unacceptable and urged that payments be expedited to alleviate their plight.Highlighting another critical issue, Adeyanju raised concerns over the absence of onboard security gangway men in Nigerian ports, which he said undermines port security and leads to revenue losses due to poor cargo reporting.
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Chief also advocated for their reinstatement to ensure proper vessel security and accurate records of port operations.The union leader concluded by stressing the importance of addressing these maritime sector challenges to maintain Nigeria’s upward trajectory in the global maritime industry.