MWUN, NPA renew commitment to sectoral synergy, celebrate IMO Category ‘C’ Win

Stanley Ihedigbo

President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, led members of the Union’s newly elected executive team on a courtesy and familiarization visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, at the Authority’s Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

According to the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, speaking during the visit, Comrade Bunu explained that the engagement was essential to formally introduce the new MWUN leadership to the NPA management.

He noted that both institutions share a longstanding relationship built on collaboration and service delivery within the maritime sector.

According to the President-General, “This visit is necessary to acquaint ourselves with one another, because the Union and the Ports Authority remain partners in progress in the Nigerian maritime industry.

Neither of us can work in isolation if the sector must move forward.”

Comrade Bunu also used the visit to felicitate with the NPA Managing Director and the entire management team on Nigeria’s recent election into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category ‘C’ Council, a milestone achieved under the leadership and guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Describing the victory as “laudable and a giant stride,” Bunu said the accomplishment represents a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for global relevance and competitiveness.

He commended all stakeholders whose efforts contributed to securing the highly coveted seat.

In his response, the NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, expressed appreciation for the MWUN leadership’s visit.

He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to sustaining a harmonious working relationship with the Union, emphasizing that collaboration remains crucial in the drive to make Nigeria a leading maritime hub in Africa and beyond.

Dr. Dantsoho assured the Union of continued cooperation and open communication, noting that the collective progress of the sector depends on shared vision and mutual respect.