Shutdown Imminent At Nigerian Ports As Maritime Workers Set to Begin Strike Wednesday

July 02: Unless there is a fruitful intervention by relevant stakeholders’ today, all is set for the resumption of a nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 by the members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). The body had earlier given a two-week strike ultimatum issued on June 13 over the non-payment of stevedoring contractors.

Industry analysts say if the strike goes ahead, there will be a total shutdown of operations at the ports which will translate to loss of both personal and national income at a time the government is facing financial difficulties.

In an interview, the President-General of MWUN, Comrade Abdul-Waheed Adeyanju, noted that the leadership of the union has directed that members of the union should totally withdraw their services throughout the nation’s seaports, effective from 06.00 hours on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Since June 28, when the ultimatum expired, the union has had no sign of movement to address the union demands.

The union had given a two-week ultimatum on June 13 pleading with the Federal Government urge IOCs to pay government-appointed stevedore contractors money owed to them.

The Union also urged the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport to look into the issue so that dockworkers could be paid their salaries and wages.

Source: Business Hilights