MWUN, NMNO-WTSSA Issue 21-Day Ultimatum To Temile Development Co. Over Worker Unionization
By Roland Ekama
Seafarers’ unions comprising – the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO-WTSSA) have issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to Temile Development Company Nigeria Limited., demanding immediate action on unionizing its workers or face industrial action.
Led by MWUN President-General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi and NMNO-WTSSA President Comrade Bob Joseph Yousuo, the Lagos-based unions accuse the Port Harcourt firm at No. 2 Omedu Street, Rumueme, of repeatedly ignoring formal unionization requests.
According to a statement e-signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, MWUN Head of Media, letters sent on May 26, 2025; September 16, 2025; October 2025; and April 1, 2026—all titled “Request for the Unionization of Our Members in Your Company”—have gone unanswered, the unions claim.
“No company in Nigeria or anywhere is bigger than labour unions and their governing laws,” Comrade Abi declared, condemning the alleged casualization of workers as “archaic” and illegal.
He emphasized that hiring practices exploiting Nigerians for “peanuts” violate modern labour standards, vowing severe consequences for non-compliance.
“The ultimatum requires Temile’s management to respond to all letters and schedule a joint meeting within 21 days of this statement.” Failure to comply will trigger “the wrath of the unions,” potentially disrupting operations.
Comrade Abi, an Ijaw labour activist, reiterated that casualization is “a thing of the past” and will not be tolerated.
In the same spirit, Chief Bob Joseph Yousuo, National President of NMNO-WTSSA and Africa Chairman of the ITF Fair Practices Committee, urged Temile’s management not to see unions as enemies but as partners in progress.
He cautioned the company to comply with existing labour laws that empower the two unions to unionize its junior and senior seafarers, respectively.
The seasoned seafarer noted that the NJIC in Appendix 2 stipulates a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with shipping companies, including Temile Development Company.
The marine engineer stressed that “Enough is enough of slave labour. Nigerian seafarers deserve better wages that meet international best practices. The MLC 2006, as amended, mandates shipping companies to operate on decent work and decent pay, which can only be guaranteed through tripartite negotiations (CBA).”
“To key into President BAT’s “new hope” agenda, Temile’s management must open communication with the two unions for industrial harmony—or face the blame itself.”
Yousuo opined that when consultation fails, confrontation becomes inevitable.
He further warned Temile’s management to tow the line of peace by scheduling a joint meeting with the two unions before the 21-day ultimatum expires. “We reject casualization in any form,” he said.