Adeyanju urges FG, terminal operators to prioritise workers’ welfare

By Stanley Ihedigbo

Immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Prince (Dr) Adewale Adeyanju, has lauded Nigerians on the New Year, commending their tenacity, long-suffering, and resilience in the face of prolonged hardship, hunger, and insecurity across the country.

Adeyanju noted that in the past years, many Nigerians have been displaced, rendered homeless, and left without jobs due to worsening insecurity and economic challenges.

According to the Head of Media of MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the realities of widespread kidnappings, clashes between herders and farmers, unwarranted killings, and pervasive fear of the unknown—characterised by rape of women, pregnant mothers, and teenagers—have compounded the suffering of Nigerians.

He added that the high cost of living, coupled with daily struggles marked by strife, bitterness, sorrow, and anguish, made the past years a horrific phase in the nation’s history.

He stressed that as Nigeria enters 2026, the government must put smiles on the faces of Nigerians who survived years of horror and uncertainty.

The Vice President (Global) of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stated that Nigerians have endured immense pain, including the killing of Christians and Muslims in their places of worship, particularly in northern Nigeria, where terrorist activities have intensified.

He observed that the common man on the streets bore the brunt of various forms of insurgency throughout 2025, leading to widespread hopelessness across the country. However, despite the insecurity, Nigerians remained steadfast in their belief that Nigeria would one day work again and reclaim her pride of place in the comity of nations.

Adeyanju further noted that Nigerians have continued with an enduring spirit of encouragement, resilience, and hope that a new Nigeria will emerge—one where citizens live in peace and harmony, with religious tolerance as the foundation of coexistence.

He emphasised that despite differences in religion, political affiliation, tribe, and language, Nigerians must remember that what binds them together is their shared citizenship.

He urged citizens not to allow the country to be torn apart by present challenges, stressing the need for unity and collective resolve, expressing confidence that by God’s grace, Nigerians would prevail.

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also commended Nigerian workers for their resilience in the face of harsh economic realities that have significantly increased the cost of living, despite stagnant and insufficient wages.

He called on the Federal Government to review workers’ wages as the country enters 2026, noting that the sacrifices of Nigerian workers toward national development should not go unrewarded.

In a similar vein, the Oyo State–born labour leader urged terminal operators to review the remuneration and working conditions of dockworkers and seafarers under the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, given the prevailing economic hardship.

He reminded terminal operators of the critical role played by MWUN’s leadership during the port concessioning process, which contributed significantly to its success.

Comrade Adeyanju also advocated the reinstatement of onboard security gangway personnel at the nation’s seaports, citing huge annual revenue losses due to poor accountability of vessels entering Nigerian ports.

He warned that the continued laxity would lead to massive revenue leakages into the hands of unidentified individuals, urging the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to act swiftly to boost national revenue.

He further admonished the Federal Government to intensify efforts to quell recurring insurgency, expressing confidence that steps taken so far by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are in the right direction toward achieving lasting peace. He appealed for people-friendly policies that would bring succour to Nigerians who have suffered prolonged pain, anguish, and disillusionment.

Adeyanju expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in the much-anticipated Renewed Hope Agenda, bringing economic vibrancy, prosperity, industrial growth, and improved living conditions for Nigerians, as promised.