Avoseh Retains Leadership Of MWUN Seamen Branch, Laments Delay Of Age Seafarers’ Pension

By Roland Ekama 

Comrade Sunday Avoseh has been reelected as President of the Seamen/NIWA and Water Transport Branch of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

Avoseh was reelected unopposed on Thursday, 26 June 2025, during the 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The reelected President and his executives will oversee the affairs of the branch for another four years.

The following are the names of the new executives:

Sunday Avoseh – President

Ebiye Atou – Vice President

Jonah Jumbo – Treasurer

Boro Ekotoro – Trustee

Steven Ezekiel – Trustee

Great Edemumoh – Auditor

Zainab Lawal – Special Female Representative

In his acceptance speech, Avoseh appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the payment of benefits to retired seafarers, noting that this issue has been a major challenge for the branch and MWUN.

He lamented that the delay has become a major concerns to the union adding that payment is long overdue by the federal government.

 

He also expressed concerns about companies not paying seafarers their rightful wages and called on the Federal Government to make it mandatory for vessels to have a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that clearly outlines the conditions of service for seafarers. He stressed that this would ensure companies adhere to international standards and pay seafarers fairly.

Avoseh highlighted another challenge facing seafarers: the persistent shortage of travel documents, specifically the seafarers’ identity document, also known as the “seafarers’ book” or “CDI book.” He urged the Federal Government to address the backlog and delays in issuing these documents.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that the Federal Government is working to resolve these issues and encouraged members to remain united and focused on their goals.

Avoseh commended both the current and past administrations for their efforts in advocating for the rights of seafarers.

The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, emphasized the need to standardize the discharge book, a critical document for seafarers in Nigeria.

Bunu noted that regulating the discharge book would align it with international best practices and improve the efficiency of maritime operations in Nigeria.

He appealed to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to make the discharge book available at all its offices nationwide to reduce bureaucratic delays and facilitate easier access for seafarers.

The President-General also called on the Federal Government to prioritize job creation for seafarers, stressing that union members are skilled and trained professionals deserving of opportunities to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

Additionally, he urged the government to expedite the payment of gratuities to aged seafarers, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve after years of dedicated service.

He commended the Federal Government, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and NIMASA for their support and commitment to developing the maritime industry. He expressed the union’s appreciation for the collaborative efforts of these stakeholders and looked forward to continued partnership in promoting seafarers’ welfare and the maritime sector’s growth.