The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has appealed to management of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to look inward in providing special packages for employees and members of the union during the lockdown period.
The union also lauded efforts made by the Managing Director of NIWA, Chief George Moghalu donation of a whooping N10 million in combating the spread of the covid19 pandemic.
The seafarers union also called on manning agents and shipping organisations operating in Nigeria to do same in a bid to ameliorate the 14 days lockdown of Lagos State for members.
National President of the union, Comrade Bob Yousou stated that welfare of members is paramount and NIWA under the leadership of Chief Moghalu has what it takes to provide succour for the workforce during the period of the lockdown and coronavirus pandemic across the globe.
Yousou noted that the donation made by NIWA was timely and swift adding that the union will continue to sustain the cordial relationship between both parties.
The President also called on ship owners to ensure that crew aboard their vessels are properly kitted to deter the spread of covid19.
According to him, safety of crew aboard vessels and welfare should be considered at a time when everybody is expected to stay indoor as measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Recall that NIWA donated the sum of five million naira to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and another five million naira to the Lagos State Government.
The Authority expressed confidence that the fund will further help the government fight the killer virus with more vigour and determination.
The management also urged all Nigerians to obey government directives on Covid-19, as the only way to restore sanity and ensure safety and well-being of everybody in the country.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NIWA, Chief George Moghalu has directed that NIWA’s infrastructures such as ferry terminals, dockyards, river ports, jetties, water crafts, barges and tugboats nationwide should be sanitized and the highest level of hygiene maintained.
By Roland Ekama
