By Akinwunmi Mariam oluwajokotola (SIWES student, Ogun State Institute of Technology Igbesa OGITECH)
A recent statement from NIMASA reveals that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has turned down the N100 million proposed by NIMASA for the unpaid terminal benefits of seafarers affected by the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
The rejection, based on the union’s claim of insufficiency, underscores the ongoing struggle of these seafarers and prompts questions about the adequacy of NIMASA’s offer.
NIMASA is currently in discussions with MWUN to address the outstanding terminal benefits issue, as stated by the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of NIMASA, emphasized the agency’s commitment to resolving the matter and assured the union that their concerns would be communicated to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for necessary actions.
In a demonstration of solidarity, MWUN’s President General, Comrade Adeyanju, praised NIMASA’s efforts under Dr. Jamoh’s leadership and urged other organizations, including the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Shippers Council, to join forces for a more substantial fund pool to cater to all beneficiaries.
Adeyanju drew parallels with the port concession scenario, where dockworkers received a flat rate of two hundred thousand naira.
