Micura Boss Urges MWUN To Build Capacity For Newly Elected Dockworkers’ District Officers Ahead Of Lagos Elections

By Roland Ekama

The Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director of Micura Services Limited, Chief Michael Orobosa Ubogu, has called on the Dockworkers Branch leadership of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to ensure that elected officers at the district and unit levels are trained on the peculiarities of their new roles.

Ubogu made the call during a chat on Wednesday, against the backdrop of the forthcoming district elections scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, in Lagos.

Recall that the MWUN Dockworkers Branch leadership recently concluded outport district elections covering Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Akwa Ibom, and others.

The Micura boss stressed the need for an all-encompassing retreat for the newly elected district officers that would empower them in the area of discipline, commitment and dedication.

 

He said such capacity-building would focus on the roles of district leaders in terms of monitoring, limitations, and scopes of operations for the labour workforce.

He noted that some newly elected personalities may not fully understand the dynamic nature of their new roles, but maintained that capacity building for dockworker executives at that level would provide the necessary enlightenment.

Ubogu pointed out that “Whether through elections or appointments, every institution has its own peculiarities. But I will always advise that before you get to that point, you must be a good follower , before becoming a good leader.

“However, I am going to advise MWUN, via the branch president, to organize a retreat for the newly appointed or elected district officers. They need to know their limitations and how to abide by the rules of engagement—how to discipline workers, how to conduct themselves while engaging employers. In fact, there are lots of examples to deal with the new positions.”

He cited the MWUN Dockworkers Branch President, Comrade Bolaji Agboola, as a living example. While at ENL Terminal for eight years, which according to him, Agboola was able to harmonize workers, fostering unity and relative peace despite the large number of units under the district at ENL Terminal.

According to Ubogu, the MWUN President General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has sustained the leadership qualities of his predecessor.

The Micura boss added that”In the last ten months of his administration, he (Bunu) has understood the peculiarities of dockers’ operation, and dockworkers have continued to benefit from the dividends of unionism.

Apparently satisfied with Bunu’s leadership style, the stevedore expert reiterated that the PG has ensured better welfare packages for dockers, contributing to industrial peace and harmony among port operators nationwide.

Meanwhile, the MWUN President General, Comrade Francis Bunu, announced on Wednesday that the district elections for the Dockworkers Branch would conclude on Friday, January 30.

At a Dockworkers Branch meeting in Lagos, Bunu stated that the election would be wrapped up on Friday. It was gathered that the union had reached a consensus on its choice of district chairmen, as the President General formally announced the ten chairmen and unveiled them to members.

“Why I called this meeting is to inform you that your remaining district elections are on Friday. The date has been fixed, and nothing shall go beyond that day. The time is 10 a.m., so if you are a member of MWUN and part of any district, Friday is the day. ”