Apparently determined to encourage maritime operations in the eastern ports to reduce the enormous pressure on the Lagos ports, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has harped on the need for investors to key into the vast resources of the outstation.
President General of the union, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who made the submission on Tuesday during a meeting some terminal operators in Lagos , lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in attracting investments and development in the port infrastructure of the nation, especially the seemingly neglected eastern ports.
According to a statement made available to our correspondent,the union held a strategic meeting with management of Onne Multi Purpose Terminal
The Meeting aimed at drawing up a blue print for increasing terminal activities in onne port and invariably boosting business and the supply chain channels of the eastern ports region.
Primarily, the meeting held to also shore up trade and commerce and even more importantly, commence negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement that will guide conduct and earnings of our employees – dock workers in their terminal while guaranteeing proper standards of their welfare.
Receiving the Onne Multipurpose team in his Office, the President General , commended management of the concessionaire for the investment put in place to benefit Nigerians and create more employment.
Com (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju, further assured management of the union’s support while encouraging the terminal to put in place the right work environment for the labour force.
The MWUN boss also called on other prospective investors to key into the vast resources of the eastern ports and invest.
The statement reads in full:
“As follow up of our persistent call on government to encourage maritime operations in the eastern ports of Warri, Calabar, port Harcourt, Onne etc to reduce the enormous pressure on the Lagos ports, the leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria held a strategic meeting with the management of ONNE MULTI PURPOSE TERMINAL, Onne on Tuesday 15th June, 2021 at the National secretariat of the Union, Olodi – Apapa, Lagos.
“The Meeting aimed at drawing up a blue print for increasing terminal activities in onne port and invariably boosting business and the supply chain channels of the eastern port region, to shore up trade and commerce and even more importantly, commence negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement that will guide conduct and earnings of our employees – dock workers in their terminal while guaranteeing proper standards of their welfare.
“The meeting also applauded the commencement of Onne Multipurpose terminals, Operators of berth 9 – 11, Onne Port and joins the growing list of stakeholders to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in attracting investments and development in the port infrastructure of the nation, especially the seemingly neglected eastern ports.
“Receiving the Onne Multipurpose team in his Office, the President General – Com. (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju, commended Mr. Jacob Christian Gulmann, Managing Director, Mr. Sokeipirim Bob – Manuel, HR Manager and Mr. Daniel Odibe, Head, Government relations and Commercial, for the investment put in place to benefit Nigerians and create more employment.
