MWUN President-General Leads Familiarization Visit To PTML, Apapa
MWUN President-General Leads Familiarization Visit To PTML, Apapa
L-R Mr. Nitin Senan, Deputy Managing Director of PTML,and President General MWUN,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi
By Frank Odinukaeze
The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, on Wednesday led the Shipping Branch Executives of the Union on a familiarization visit to Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Apapa, Lagos.
According to Comrade Bunu, the visit was designed to introduce the newly elected Union executives to the PTML management and to further strengthen the long-standing cordial relationship between both bodies. He noted that the interaction was necessary to keep the management abreast of the Union’s new leadership structure and to reaffirm MWUN’s commitment to continued cooperation and industrial harmony.
Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna Head,Media of the Union , in a statement affirmed that the delegation was warmly received by Mr. Nitin Senan, Deputy Managing Director of PTML, who stood in for the Managing Director, Mr. Ascanio Ruso, who was unavoidably absent.
Mr. Senan expressed delight at the visit, describing it as timely and symbolic of the enduring bond between PTML and MWUN. He introduced his management team, including Mr. Raul Bhargava, Chief Finance Officer; Mr. Daniel Uti, Human Resource Manager; and Mr. Janel, Chairman of Grimaldi Agency Nigeria.
The DMD praised the Union for its consistent support and collaboration, recalling his long relationship with Comrade Bunu spanning two decades. He congratulated the MWUN leadership for their recent electoral victory, assuring them of PTML’s continued partnership in advancing workers’ welfare and operational efficiency.
In his remarks, Comrade Bunu expressed gratitude for PTML’s cooperation with the Union over the years, emphasizing that MWUN remains open to innovative ideas that promote development, progress, and mutual benefit. He reiterated the Union’s commitment to maintaining peaceful labour relations and keeping pace with global maritime trends.
Also speaking, Comrade Tajudeen Abass, President of the Shipping Branch of MWUN, lauded the PTML management for the warm reception. He explained that the visit was initiated by the President-General to foster closer engagement beyond routine communication.
Comrade Abass, however, used the opportunity to present key demands on behalf of members, particularly the de-casualization of workers in APMT employment. He suggested a gradual, systematic process that would ensure fairness and sustainability. He also called for enhanced training programs on e-systems, as well as practical sessions on safe lifting, handling, and recognition of hazardous materials at the terminals.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Senan assured that PTML remains committed to the welfare and safety of its workforce and will continue to strengthen its collaboration with MWUN for the betterment of the maritime sector.
