Maritime Workers Advocate Equity, Fairness In Lekki Free Port Terminals Recruitment

On Jun 10, 2022

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on management of the Lekki Free Port Terminals, operators of Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos to ensure that there is equity and fairness in the recruitment process for applicants across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The MWUN also urged the Human Resources department of the new port to consult with the national executives of the union for recommendations and advisories purpose as part of measures to engage those with the requisite knowledge of port terminal operations mostly as it concerns dockworkers and terminal operations.

The Lekki Free Port Terminals LFT is expected to commence operations in the 3rd quarter of 2022.

- Advertisement -

Group Photograph of members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria led by its President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and management of Lekki Free Port Terminals, during a working visit by the union to the deep sea port on Thursday in Lagos

Speaking at a working visit to management of the Lekki Free Port Terminals in Lagos on Thursday, President General MWUN,Comrade Adewale Adeyanju reiterated that unions commitment to work in synergy with the terminal operators for effective port operations and efficiency in service delivery.

Adeyanju maintained that the union will support the port terminal operator to maintain industrial harmony between workers and management adding that with the commencement of operations at the new port, there will be massive job placement.

ALSO READ "Investors Should Not Invest In Water Transportation Business Without Maritime Security" - Comrade Adeyanju.

According to him, issues of militancy and youths unrest within the port communities must be avoided in furtherance to ensure smooth port operations.

Canvassing for effective service delivery for the terminal operator and workers productivity, the Union’s President General, affirmed that employment of workers must be based on merit adding that tribalism, nepotism and favouritism should be avoided .

From Left : Deputy President General MWUN, Comrade Harry Tonye , President General, MWUN,Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and Human Resources Manager Lekki Free Port Terminals, Mr Eteh Ibiso during the visit to the terminal’s Liasion office in Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday

“Speaking, he said, “I wouldn’t want what happened in APMT to happen here where employment was tribalised, where employment was one-sided, it did not cut across all the regions and I wouldn’t want this one to be like that.

“It is affecting productivity because other tribes are complaining that are they not part of this country. I want to implore the management to look inward in engaging people, they should spread it round.

- Advertisement -

“If you spread it round, others too will support you but if you select only one tribe, it will affect the management. That is my advice on that.

ALSO READ NPA: Tin Can Port Begins Renovation Of Infrastructure

Earlier, Comrade Adeyanju while welcoming the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lekki Port, Denrick Moos, he assured the terminal of the union’s support to achieve the aim of the terminal operators

He added that his administration as PG of MWUN will deal decisively with any member of the union working with the terminal, that contravens the laws of the organisation as well as that of the union.

His words, “I want to congratulate you on your new assignment, you are not new in the industry, many may not know you but we know that you have digitized containerized cargoes in Nigeria.

Comrade Adewale Adeyanju President General MWUN in a warm handshake with the Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Free Port Terminals, Mr. Lawrence at a visit to the terminal on Thursday

“I am here today with the executives to give you support you to achieve success in your new assignment in the new port where the whole world is focused to see what is going to happen and you have also put the terminal operators in their toes

ALSO READ Merchant Navy Tasks NIWA Boss To Work Closely With Internal Staff

“The union will not allow any of our members to work contrary to the regulations of the organisation and that of the union

Responding, the CEO, Lekki Free Port Terminals, Mr. Denrick Moos quipped that the organisation operated open door policy and ready to take complaints from the union.

Moos also sought support of the union to make the port a commercially viable one.

Moos said, “As a new terminal, we respect all stakeholders, we have an open door policy, we are here to work with you and whenever there is need to come and talk to us, feel free.

“We are seeking your support to make the port a commercially viable port

“We are in competition but it is not our intention to be in competition with anybody because the market is big enough for everybody, there is enough containers for everybody. The containers in Nigeria, our own is to help Nigeria’s economy.”