Merchant Navy Union Boss Felicitates Muslim Seafarers, Stakeholders At Eid al‑Adha, Prays Against Piracy, Disaster At Sea
Chief Bob Joseph Yousuo, National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), has extended warm Eid al‑Adha greetings to Nigerian Muslim seafarers, inland waterways workers, cadets, and other maritime stakeholders at home and abroad.
In a message issued on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the association’s membership, and signed by the Comrade Elder Aleakhue John Okpono, Secretary General., Chief Yousuo’s Eid greetings call on members to represent Islam and Nigeria with integrity and professionalism, and to embrace union solidarity for a better future.
Chief Yousuo praised the obedience, sacrifice and faith commemorated during the Salah period, likening the Prophet Ibrahim’s example to the daily duties of seafarers who often spend religious festivals away from their families while keeping vessels and trade routes operational.
“Your absence from home is a sacrifice that keeps the global and Nigeria’s economy alive,” the president said, noting that the labour, discipline and patience of maritime workers reflect the spirit of the season. He encouraged members to continue upholding the Islamic values of patience, excellence and sincerity in their professional duties.
The message acknowledged the support of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Muslim Seafarers for interventions on abandonment, wage theft and unsafe working conditions, and reaffirmed NMNOWTSSA’s commitment to collaborate with the ITF to advance decent work, fair contracts and harassment‑free workplaces at sea.
Chief Yousuo referenced the 2026 global theme of dignity and respect for seafarers as aligning with the union’s mandate and Islamic principles of justice.
NMNOWTSSA boss also urged government agencies, particularly the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to facilitate conditions that allow Muslim seafarers to observe their faith while on duty—such as respect for prayer times, access to halal food where practicable, and protection from religious discrimination.
The president renewed the association’s pledge to defend members’ rights and welfare, highlighting priorities including rights and welfare, safety and dignity, professional development, unity and brotherhood through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
He called on shipowners and operators to invest in crew welfare, respect religious practices, pay wages promptly and comply with national and international labour standards.
Specific operational calls were made to NIMASA to expedite issuance of Certificates of Competency (COCs), automate systems to minimize face‑to‑face contact, and ensure availability of seaman’s booklets; and for shipping companies to adopt CBAs in line with the Nigerian Joint Industrial Council (NJIC).
The message concluded with prayers for protection from piracy and accidents, relief for those in distress at sea and on inland waterways, and blessings for seafarers’ families.