B-R-E-A-K-I-N-G: IOC’s Buckle, As MWUN Temporarily Suspends Strike Action

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Monday officially announced the temporary suspension of its planned strike action which was earlier billed to commence 1st of March, 2022.

In a press statement issued on Monday, signed by President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and Secretary General, Comrade Felix Akingboye, the union stated that the decision was as a result of intervention by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and a meeting held on Mondaybetween strategic stakeholders.

The statement reads in part “Following the 14days Notice given to the Federal Government of Nigeria on non-compliance with the extant stevedoring regulation (Marine Notice 106, 2014) by the International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Managements of the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Shippers Council held separate meeting with the Union (MWUN) on Friday 25th February, 2022 to deliberate the way forward.

“Both Managements appealed to the Union to be given time to prevail on the IOCs to comply with the extant stevedoring law and a time lag of 30days effective 25th February 2022 was granted.

“However, at another meeting held with Management of NPA, representatives of the IOCs, NNPC, NAPIM and NASO today 28th February 2022, it was unanimously agreed that two (2) weeks effective from today 28th February, 2022 be given to the IOCs to complete all processes to comply with the law and commence implementation of engaging the stevedores and Dockworkers on their oil platforms and report back to the Authority and the Union for revnew.

“Consequent upon the above, and the plea of weII-meaning Nigerians, the Union as a patriotic and responsible organization hereby temporarily suspends its planned instrial action billed to commence 12am 1st March 2022”