The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) are furthering talks on the payment of the
benefits accruable to seafarers whose appointments were terminated due to the liquidation of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
Director General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, and the Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who doubles as the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, jointly announced the need for a verification process for the disengaged workers to commence soon.
They agreed that a physical verification of the affected seafarers or their next of kin as the case may apply; the nature of appointment of all affected seafarers at the defunct company, and the exact amount due each beneficiary will be required before payments are finally made.
NIMASA Director General pledged to communicate the Union’s to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in order to ensure Government takes the necessary actions to bring to a conclusion to the lingering issue of NNSL.
The issue of industrial harmony in the maritime sector is of uttermost interest to our administration at NIMASA. We have been at this for a while. NIMASA had offered 100 million naira as settlement, which the Union declined. We have also discovered that some of those demanding settlement did not even have any employment letter. We will follow the lead from our supervising Ministry and ensure the physical verification exercise is brought to a logical conclusion. Our Honorable Minister will be duly updated by the Agency. I look forward to closing this issue in months to come”, the NIMASA Director General said.
On his part, the President General, MWUN, Comrade Adeyanju restated the commitment of the Union to peaceful resolution of disputes; to ensuring that workers’ rights and privileges are well protected, without disrupting productivity in the Maritime Sector.
The Union leader commended the Jamoh-led management at NIMASA, urging other agencies to follow suit.
I will like to commend NIMASA under Dr Jamoh, for the unflinching commitment to industrial harmony. He is always a phone call away to resolve any issue. Yes, NIMASA offered 100 million naira to offset the terminal benefits. However, if others like Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers Council and the rest also add funds, there will be enough to go round the expected beneficiaries. As we did for dockworkers when a flat rate of two hundred thousand was paid during port concession; that is what we want, putting into consideration the realities on ground now," Adeyanju said.
This information was disseminated via a press release signed by Mr. Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA.
