Apparently worried about shortage of manpower in its employs, workers under the Nigerian Ports Authority Branch, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN on Monday, raised the alarm over the gradual extinction of junior staff employees under the agency.
President of the branch, Comrade Edward Ifeanyi Mazeli disclosed this in Lagos, during the 5th Quadriennal Branch Delegates Conference.
Mazeli who has been re-elected for a second term , lamented that the numerical strength of members of the union are dwindling daily , attributing the decline to promotions, retirements and death.
Mazeli also stressed the need for management of the NPA to employ more junior staff to boost the workforce and productive in furtherance to boost revenue drive of the nation’s economy.
“The numerical strength of our members are dwindling every day. This is a result of promotions, retirements and death which is a natural phenomenon.
“We wish to use this opportunity to once again appeal to our management to employ more junior workers to boost the workforce.”
According to him, hundreds of private jetties operating in the country are without the presence of workers of the agency , stressing the need to reverse the trend for obvious reasons.
The branch President also urged the NPA and Nigeria Shippers’Council a sister agency under the Ministry of Transportation to engage importers and shipping companies to ensure that goods are shipped to the eastern seaports of the country.
“Also given the fact that Onitsha is the commercial hub in the South Eastern Nigeria, it makes it imperative for the development of Onitsha seaport to boost economic activities and create employment for Nigerians.
Mazeli also urged management of the NPA to reduce harbour due in the eastern seaports, as part of measures to stimulate greater patronage by shippers.
Speaking on gratuity for retirees, the union’s branch boss affirmed that workers of NPA on retirement scheme rose from 180% to 280%, which in turn led to the commendation by the union on behalf of members
Primarily on the collaboration with the senior staff NPA union, Comrade Mazeli noted that ” Prior to this administration, our two in-house unions were engaging management separately. But this administration has adopted a collaborative approach in interfacing with management.
“I wish to report that this approach has brought much dividends to the workers of NPA amongst which are dissolving the contentious/aged long stagnation issues, harmonisation of salary structure etc”.
Giving account on the industrial peace and harmony in the maritime sector, he maintained that the last four years under his watch witnessed tremendous working relationship with management , thus seeking management collaboration at all levels to ensure peaceful coexistence that will culminate into achieving the ultimate vision and mission of NPA and its numerous subsidiaries.
Also speaking, Acting Managing Director, NPA, Mr. Bello Koko Mohammed commended the union for the scientific method of engaging management of the agency.
By Roland Ekama
