The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a stern warning to maritime employers, stating that negligence toward the welfare and safety of seafarers will no longer be tolerated.
The President-General of MWUN, Mr. Francis Bunu, made this declaration during a routine inspection tour of Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited’s facility in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. His comments were contained in a statement released by the union’s Head of Media, Mr. John Kennedy Ikemefuna.
According to Bunu, the visit aimed to sensitise Melsmore seafarers about their upcoming unionisation in line with national and international maritime standards. He decried the widespread poor treatment of seafarers, citing inadequate remuneration and substandard safety conditions on vessels.
“Many of our seafarers are subjected to hazardous environments with little or no access to health facilities,” Bunu said. “This endangers their lives, particularly in light of the risks posed by communicable diseases at sea.”
He stressed that the era of employers disregarding safety and labour regulations in the maritime sector is over, warning that defaulters will be sanctioned under maritime labour laws.
Bunu noted that the unionisation of Melsmore Marine workers will result in the creation of a welfare package handbook and clearly defined work guidelines.
