The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies Branch (SSASCGOC) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have issued a stark warning, indicating their readiness to close down all ports across the country.
Their stance is in response to the Federal Government’s proposal to slash the internally generated revenue (IGR) of Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (FGOEs), including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), by 50%.
The unions, represented by Comrade Akinola Bodunde and Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, presidents of SSASCGOC and MWUN respectively, voiced their discontent during a joint press conference held on Monday.
They criticized a directive from the Federal Ministry of Finance, outlined in a circular dated December 28, 2023, which mandates a 50% deduction from the IGR of all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies/Parastatals.
Comrade Akinola Bodunde condemned the potential repercussions of such a drastic measure, particularly emphasizing the adverse impact it would have on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He highlighted the NPA’s reliance on its internally generated revenue for operational sustainability, stressing that a 50% reduction would severely impede crucial tasks such as dredging port channels and maintaining infrastructure.
This, in turn, could disrupt vessel traffic and port operations.
Furthermore, Bodunde underscored the financial strain and operational disruptions that would ensue, noting the deteriorating state of ports, jetties, and terminals due to inadequate maintenance and repairs.
The unions fear that denying the NPA half of its internal revenue would exacerbate these challenges, potentially compromising safety and efficiency.
In essence, the threat of a port shutdown looms large as workers vehemently oppose the government’s decision to slash revenue, highlighting the grave consequences it could unleash upon the maritime sector and the nation’s economy at large.
