Maritime Workers Union Extols President Tinubu on Launch of New National Shipping Line
L-R: President Bola Tinubu, President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu and Minster of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has effusively praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration for facilitating the establishment of Unity Shipping Worldwide (USW), a new Nigerian shipping line formed through a significant public-private partnership.
In a letter of congratulation signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Comrade Oniha Erazua addressed to the President Tinubu, the union expressed its excitement and deep appreciation for what it termed Tinubu’s efficacious and visionary leadership, citing the new shipping line as a latest landmark achievement.
USW is a collaboration between the renowned Swedish global shipping giant Stena Bulk and Nigerian marine and aviation logistics firm Caverton. MWUN believes this partnership is poised to service Nigeria’s substantial oil and gas sector and significantly bolster the nation’s economy.
The union highlighted several key initiatives under the current administration that underscore its commitment to economic growth, including the visionary creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the allocation of a $700 million cabotage fund.
This fund is specifically earmarked to support indigenous ship owners in acquiring new vessels, a move the union believes will further empower local players in the maritime industry.
“It is our belief that through this public-private partnership to form Unity Shipping Worldwide (USW), Nigeria’s maritime sector has now been infused with unprecedented growth potential as the operation of a national shipping line will go a long way to boost our nation’s economy through the instrumentality of a standard shipping line with global reach,” the letter stated. The union enthusiastically welcomed this development, expressing its profound gratitude.
In a separate but related commendation, the MWUN also lauded the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his role in the successful establishment of Unity Shipping Worldwide. The union noted that Minister Oyetola’s leadership perfectly reflects the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The union anticipates “positive compounding effects” from this “unique and great economic initiative,” particularly for its numerous members working on oil and gas platforms.
MWUN reiterated its commendation to both President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola for their contributions to the successful launch of Unity Shipping Worldwide, emphasizing the immense benefits it will bring to the Nigerian people and the national economy.
