By Steve Agbota
Members of the association of Shipping Lines Agents (SAN) have advised the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to shelve its planned protest, saying that shutting down the seaports could not be in the interest of the nation.
The MWUN had threatened to shut down the nation’s seaports and terminals on Monday, October 30, 2023, if the salaries and allowances of its members are not reviewed.
The union had issued a seven-day ultimatum to all foreign and multinational shipping companies operating in Nigeria to review the entitlements of its members or face the consequence of shutting down there operations.
Chairman of SAN, Boma Alabi, at a press conference held in Lagos, on Friday, said the shipping companies have repeatedly reminded the MWUN that SAN members do not encompass the totality of employers in the maritime sector. She said several enhancements have already been tabled, and that dialogue has continued.
“It should also be noted that the MWUN seeks to impose minimum standards of employment while the members of SAN who seem to be repeatedly singled out in the media and public statements by MWUN, consider existing terms and conditions for SAN member-companies.’