NPA Workers Seek Immediate Repair Of Stranded MT Zaria , Decry Calabar , Port Harcourt Ports Infrastructure Decay
By Roland Ekama
Comrade Bamidele Alex Ajayi, President of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Branch, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has raised concerns over the decay of port infrastructure at Calabar and Port Harcourt ports calling on the government to take urgent steps for the facilities rehabilitation.
Ajayi who used the inaugural Branch Working Committee (BWC) meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026, as platform to express the union position to spotlight the severe decay plaguing Calabar and Port Harcourt Ports in his welcome address, warned that “deplorable” access roads—riddled with potholes and on the brink of collapse—are crippling operations, delaying cargo, slashing revenue, and endangering lives.
The NPA Branch President reiterated that “These ports, vital to Nigeria’s economy, are turning into bottlenecks due to neglect’.
He further urged NPA management for immediate rehabilitation, pointing out key demands to include acquiring a new tugboat for both ports to improve vessel handling and prompt repairs to the stranded MT Zaria at Calabar Port to restore efficiency.
Ajayi linked the infrastructure rot to broader risks, like unregulated private jetties threatening security and economic losses.
The union leader commended ongoing productivity bonuses and salary reviews but stressed that fixing Calabar and Port Harcourt’s decay is non-negotiable for industrial peace and growth.
“We’ve urged management to:Immediately rehabilitate access roads to both ports, restoring efficiency and competitiveness.
“Acquire a new tugboat for Calabar and Port Harcourt to boost towing capacity and vessel turnaround.
“We also want management to repair MT Zaria at Calabar Port without delay to revive critical operations.This infrastructure rot compounds other challenges: unchecked private jetties risking security; staff shortages from attrition; delayed funding; and gaps in training, transport, fire services, security gates, gratuities, and long service awards.
“We commend productivity bonuses, salary review progress, and CBA commitments from LTT/Deposa (urging swift renewal before June 2026), but infrastructure must lead the fix.
He also called for staff buses, fire rescue upgrades, a new security gate at Delta Port, timely funding, gratuities, and long service awards.
Ajayi praised collaborations and anticipates the next BWC in Q4.
MWUN vowed to unionize all port companies, reinforcing worker welfare amid these crises.
Attendees included MWUN leadership, NPA managers, LTT Coastal Marine Services, Depasa Marine International, and SSASCGOC reps.