NMNOWTSSA Woos LASWA Staffers To Promote Professionalism

By Roland Ekama 

 

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has indicated interest to unionise some departmental workers of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as part of measures to promote seafaring activities on the brown waters.

The seafaring group, a Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate made this known on Monday 7 April 2025 during a technical training session put together by Bourdillon Marine & Technical Services Limited, in collaboration with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the NMNOWTSSA.

Speaking during a technical session, the Secretary General of NMNOWTSSA, Comrade John Okpono Aleakhue, while educating participants on the importance of unionism, stressed that Unions engage in activities like collective bargaining, negotiation with employers, advocacy for labour laws, and resolving workplace disputes to ensure industrial harmony and workers’ welfare.

The Union’s Scribe said, “Unionism plays a critical role in fostering industrial harmony and economic growth by balancing the interests of workers, employers, and the Government. It serves as a mechanism for ensuring fair labour practices, improved working conditions, and effective dispute resolution.

Aleakhue reiterated that NMNOWTSSA is an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), adding that a Union is an organized group of individuals who come together to achieve common goals, often related to their rights, interests, and welfare.

According to him, in the context of labour and industry, a trade union is an Association of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests, such as fair wages, job security, improved working conditions, and other employment benefits.

He, therefore, called on LASWA workers to engage Management about their interest to join the union, saying that the benefits are immeasurable for those who are members of the union.

While highlighting the Importance of unionism to seafarers and its advantages to employers, he stated that “Unionism plays a crucial role in the maritime industry, benefiting both seafarers and employers.

On better wages and benefits, the Secretary noted that unions negotiate fair wages, health benefits, and retirement plans for seafarers, adding that through collective bargaining, unions help ensure stable employment and protection from unfair dismissal.

The scribe noted that a safe work environment is another tool unions use to push for regulations that improve health and safety on ships, reducing accidents and fatalities.

On legal support and representation, Aleakhue explained that seafarers facing disputes, unfair treatment, or contractual violations get legal assistance from their unions, stressing that training and Skill development is another tool used by unions to protect members

He said, “Unions often provide training, which ensures that seafarers remain competitive and meet global standards.”

In terms of welfare support, the NMNOWTSSA secretary emphasised that many unions offer financial aid, insurance, and repatriation assistance in case of emergencies for members saying that the advantages are numerous for those who are interested to join, mostly as it concerns staff of LASWA.

Giving a vivid illustration on the advantages of Unionism to employers, the union leader re-echoed stable workforce as a key indicator stressing that ” Unionised workers tend to stay longer in their jobs, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.

Similarly, he mentioned that Improved Productivity was crucial and advantageous for better working conditions for workers, which in turn will lead to motivated and efficient seafarers, enhancing overall performance.

 

On dispute resolution, he added that unions provide a structured way to handle conflicts, reducing strikes and work stoppages, while compliance with international standards would be engage with unions to help companies meet global labour regulations (e.g., ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention). He added that Companies that support fair labour practices attract skilled seafarers and gain a positive global reputation.

He explained that unionism remains a central pillar for industrial harmony and growth, urging the participants to hit the ground running by discussing with LASWA Management of their interests to join the seafaring group.