Seafarers’ Union Celebrates Independence Day With Members , Nigerians

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has congratulated its members and Nigerians in general on the 63rd Independence Day anniversary.

National President NMNOWTSSA, Comrade Bob Joseph Yousou in a statement on Sunday, emphasised the need for government to look inward and prioritize seafarers welfare, saying that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate play a crucial role on world trade.

Yousou called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to yield onto the yearnings of the masses noting that the hardship sent a wrong signal to the masses , which in turn has been inimical to the nation’s economy.

He noted that the directive from Organised Labours is a task that must be adhered to by all concerned and meaningful Nigerians pointing out that all is not well with the giant of Africa.

Yousou stressed the need for the Tinubu led administration to review some of the policies mostly as it affects the masses .

The President further urged the federal government to engage both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in a bid to proffer solutions to the controversial removal of fuel subsidy , adding that distribution of palliative for the masses through state government is never an option towards finding solution to the hardship.

He affirmed commitment that the union will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare despite the situation in the country thus,  the leadership under his watch will endeavour to engage management of various shipping companies and other employers on burning issues affecting members and the seafaring profession.

The Union boss also maintained that some of the employers in the maritime space are treating workers unfairly against the backdrop of foreign counterparts calling on the regulatory agencies to address the anomalies through the Cabotage Act implementation.

The statement signed by Comrade John Okpono Aleakhue , Secretary General of NMNOWTSSA quoted Yousou saying “In the struggle for a better life for seafarers and Nigerians demand general understanding and cooperation hence the number one Seafarer in Nigeria wishes all seafarers to embrace the association and keen into her activities.

“The leadership of the union celebrates with Nigerians and seafarers across the world on the occasion of the 63rd independence anniversary of the country .

“The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Senior Association is using the opportunity to call on the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus more on the issues of insecurity , poverty and inflation bedeviling the nation.

“The independence day should be seen as a day for sober reflection considering the hardship faced by the masses and the year’s celebration is coming at a time when inflation relatively is life threatening to the common man and seafarers are no exemption.

“Seafaring can only thrive when the nation’s economy is buoyant but we will continue to encourage our members to exercise more patience with the hope of a better Nigeria,

In the struggle for a better life for Seafarers  demands general understanding and cooperation hence the number one Seafarer in Nigeria wishes all seafarers to embrace the association and keen into her activities,”he noted.