Urgent Call: MWUN Demands NJIC Overhaul To Safeguard Nigerian Seafarers’ Rights

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria MWUN has called for the review of the National Joint Industrial Council NJIC for Seafarers in the country.

Recall that the expiration of the NJIC has exposed seafarers to poor working conditions, arbitrary employment practices, and weakened enforcement of agreed standards, which have placed responsible ship owners at a disadvantage.

According to a statement signed by
Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, this review is not just procedural—it’s urgent and necessary.

The outcome must reflect current realities of international best practices and the particular challenges of Nigerian Seafarers operating in coastal, offshore, and fishery operations.

Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, the President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, also lent his voice on the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), saying that the CBA is the cornerstone of industrial peace and productivity.

Hence, MWUN strongly advocates that the collective bargaining agreement should be made an integral part of the compliance checklist for Shipowners and a mandatory requirement for the renewal of operating certificates and re-registration of vessels.

Comrade Bunu also noted that pension remittance for Seafarers should no longer be treated as optional. He called on NIMASA, in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, to strictly enforce mandatory pension remittance for all Seafarers in the coastal, offshore, and fishery sectors.

The Maritime henchman also advocated for a proper review of the NJIC—devoid of mere paper signifying nothing but with a strong purpose of commitment towards establishing a standing committee to monitor NJIC compliance.

The MWUN PG says that the Union remains committed to dialogue, partnership, and progress.

He added that MWUN believes that through inclusiveness, fairness, and enforcement, Nigeria can build a Maritime sector that meets global standards and