The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Senior Staff Association has appealed to the federal government to include seafarers and other marine operators as essential services as the plan to gradually ease lock down begins by 4th of May 2020 .
The Merchant Navy union expressed worries over the large number of seafarers who have suffered from the non crew change due to restrictions in movement, intershift that is not effectively working, thus making it difficult for seamen to clear cheques and cater for themselves in the face of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
National President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), affiliate ,Comrade Bob Yousuo in his May Day message to members on Friday, a copy made available to Dailyfocus Nigeria, lamented that:”Words can’t explain the sufferings an average Nigeria Seafarer and worker has passed through as a result of this deadly disease called COVID 19.”
“I am using this May Day address to call on the Federal Government through the Minister of transport to consider Maritime sector as part of essential jobs/services as the plan to gradually ease lock down by 4th of May 2020 .
Comrade Yousou who is celebrating his first May Day celebration as the national president of NMNOWTSSA, maintained that It’s not out of place to consider the services of seafarers as essential, adding that about 90% of the world trade is transported by seafarers.
While harping on the need for crew change as the lockdown ease off, in some part of the country,Comrade Yousou noted that:”My appeal is premised on the need to have crew change possible as most seafarers have overstayed onboard. Staying onboard more than required can cause Fatigue and stress which can cause fatal accident.
According to him, the year’s theme as captioned by the Federating unions is : “60 Years of Nationhood: Insecurity, Wage, Poverty and the Future of Work in Nigeria”, centred on how NMNOWTSSA can join hands with the federal and state government to ensure the country did survive from pandemic.
“There will be post Covid19 challenges but jointly we shall fight it and over come it.
“As we celebrate Nigeria workers which seafarers are part of today at 60, we want the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to look inwardly to solving our challenges rather than relying on foreign body.
“This year May Day is an anomaly as it coincides with a period of lock down globally as a result of the Covid 19 epidemics that pose challenges to human existence. We are all aware of the no religion, social and political gathering in our Country Nigeria , hence workers will be celebrated at home for this 2020 workers day celebration.
“What we care for now is our precious lives and we believe and trust in God for His infinite mercy, guidance and protection. He is an able God. He will surely see us through,” stating that “My dear comrades, my speech this year will be very unique as it will be centered on the current world epidemic, COVID 19 and it’s effect on the seafarers and the general Nigeria workers.
