Maritime Workers Union President General, Dr. Adeyanju Adewale, Delivers Powerful Address At National Delegates Conference

Maritime Workers Union President General, Dr. Adeyanju Adewale, Delivers Powerful Address At National Delegates Conference
……former deputy president Bunu elected new PG,names Adeyanju pioneer BoT Chairman

The new president General ,Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi

By Frank Odinukaeze

Dr. Adeyanju Adewale, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), delivered a stirring speech at the National Delegates Conference held at the Festival Hotel in Festac Town on March 28, 2025.
Addressing delegates, stakeholders, and guests, Dr. Adewale reflected on his eight years of leadership, highlighting the union’s significant achievements and challenges.

With a sense of deep pride, Dr. Adewale began his address by expressing gratitude to all members, government officials, and stakeholders who had supported the union throughout his tenure. He remarked, “It was almost like yesterday, eight years ago, when we were given the mandate to superintend the affairs of this great union. We marched through turbulent times with one goal in mind: to raise our banner high in line with our motto, ‘Forward Ever, Backward Never.’”

Outgoing President General MWUN ,Dr Adewale Adeyanju

The President General’s address focused on several major milestones under his leadership, including the historic establishment of minimum standards for working conditions in the maritime sector, which brought about significant wage increases for shipping workers, dockworkers, and seafarers. He also praised the expansion of the union’s reach, highlighting the inauguration of new districts and units in key sectors such as haulage, tugboats, and barge terminals.

Representative of the Hon.Minister of Marine and Blue Adegboyega Oyetola,Mr Foloruntola Olufemi ,permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy

“We successfully negotiated palliatives for members, improved working conditions, and facilitated the final stages of pension buyouts for aged seafarers,” Dr. Adewale noted, underscoring his commitment to workers’ welfare.

Dr. Adewale also highlighted the union’s growing influence on the global stage, with his election as the Global Vice President of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). This position, he said, has given the union a powerful voice in advocating for workers’ rights worldwide.

Dr Dayo Mobereola ,DG ,NIMASA

Turning to infrastructure, the President General emphasized significant investments made during his tenure, including the renovation of the MWUN National Secretariat, the establishment of a new Secretariat Annex, and the initiation of the Maritime Workers Estate project in Okokomaiko. These developments, he explained, were critical to modernizing operations and improving the living standards of union members.

NLC president Comrade Joe Ajaero

Despite the union’s successes, Dr. Adewale acknowledged the challenges facing both the maritime industry and the nation as a whole, such as economic hardship, unemployment, security concerns, and infrastructure deficiencies. He called on the government to increase its commitment to workers’ welfare and to address the energy crisis affecting operational costs.

Looking ahead, Dr. Adewale urged the incoming leadership to build upon the progress made during his administration. “Our union stands stronger than ever,” he said, “and it is imperative that we continue to push for reforms that support the economic well-being of Nigerian workers.”

In closing, Dr. Adewale reaffirmed his commitment to the values of unity and progress. “Let us stand united, for in our collective strength lies the power to effect meaningful change. Forward Ever, Backward Never!”

The speech resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring both reflection on past achievements and optimism for the future. As Dr. Adewale prepares to step down, he leaves behind a legacy of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the maritime workers of Nigeria.
In his good will message,Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,Mr.Foloruntola Olufemi,noted that ,

“Today’s event is particularly special, not just because we are giving awards to deserving members, but because we are also gathered to launch a historic book, The History of Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria 1996-2024.

“This publication is a significant contribution to documenting the struggles, achievements, and the evolution of one of the most influential labor unions in Nigeria’s history. I must commend the President of this great union, Comrade Adewale Adeyonju, for his leadership in ensuring that this history is not lost. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all contributors who painstakingly worked to put this book together.

Lagos Port port Manager Mr.Adebowale Lawal flanked by two other guest at the event

“History is often made in the heat of daily struggles, but it takes visionary leaders to ensure that those struggles are recorded for future generations to benefit from. This book will serve both as a guide and an inspiration for those who will come after us all. Distinguished guests, permit me to take a moment to highlight the remarkable strides being made by the Ministry.

Adegboyega highlighted some of the achievements of the Ministry. He said,”As you are aware, the Ministry is at the forefront of reforms to reposition the maritime industry as a key driver of Nigeria’s economy. Under the able leadership of Mr. President, the Ministry has prioritized forth reforms to reduce cargo dwell time, ease congestion, and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders for greater efficiency. Efforts are on to deploy technology to improve and increase operational efficiency.

“The focus is to ensure that this does not adversely affect workers and the union”

He stated that “Maritime Security has also received renewed attention with enhanced surveillance and law enforcement measures aimed at ensuring safer waterways and better working conditions for seafarers and port workers” .he said ,adding that the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry has further enabled a more focused approach to regulation, investment, and support for local fishing communities.
Speaking also at the event ,the national president of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC,Comrade Joe Ajaero while congratulating the Maritime workers for the notable achievements of the Union,noted that the Adeyanju led  leadership of the union has brought great transformation to the union

He said,”It is not easy to have a great leader, I will say it again, it is not easy to have a great leader.

“A leader that brings both the past and the present together for a greater future. He has laid a solid foundation and I pray that the people coming after him will build on it. If they so do, of course, MWUN, is a great union, going to be greater and greatest”

The NLC leader noted that the achievements of the outgoing leadership are a testament of what is possible ,”when we stand together in solidarity. As you prepare to elect new leaders today, I urge you to do that with a sense of purpose and responsibility.”

He said,”A task before you is not merely to choose leaders but to choose leadership that will build on the foundations already laid. Comrades, let us remember that the struggle is not about maritime sector alone. It is a struggle for the soul of Nigeria, a struggle to build a nation where the rights of workers are respected, where labour is justly rewarded and where the welfare of every citizen is prioritized.

“This is why it is imperative that the Maritime Workers’ Union continues to work closely with the NLC. Together we are stronger. Together we can build a trade union movement that is more resilient, more united and more capable of delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian workers and the broader masses.

“However, comrades, we must also confront the harsh realities of our time, the increasing penchant of governments to renege on agreements reached with trade union movements in the cause of grave concerns. We have seen this in an arbitrary increase of telecom tariffs, the unjust hikes in electricity tariffs and the refusal to engage in meaningful social dialogue. These actions are not just attached to workers,they are attached to the very fabric of our society. The government and its agencies have abdicated their regulatory responsibilities, choosing instead to side with the bosses and the forces of capital. This is unacceptable and we must brace ourselves for a struggle to rein in the excesses.”

He added,”We must also resist our threats by attempting to tax Nigerian people to death. At a time when the national minimum wage is being implemented appropriately, the federal civil servants are having their salaries arbitrarily reduced without recourse to negotiation. We cannot remain silent.

“These actions are not just unjust. They are a betrayer of the social contract between government and the people. That is why we must continue talking so that the eyes of those who occupy various corridors of power will be open while in office, so that they will see that when workers are paid appropriate wages, the economy benefits and the nation grows and not when they leave office.

“It is our collective responsibility to fight these ills and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian workers are protected. It is our collective responsibility to defend and safeguard our nation. This requires an unwavering commitment to the primacy of the constitution and fundamental principles of democracy.
“Finally, I wish to reiterate the NLC’s  unwavering support to maritime workers’ unions. Your struggles are our  struggles and your victories our victories. Just take hold of us”.
In his goodwill message,the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,NIMASA,Dr Dayo Mobereola,assured the agency’s continued support and cooperation with the  Union,stressing that the in coming leadership should  sustain the milestone achievements of  Dr Adewale Adeyanju.He described Dr Adeyanju as an exceptional leader who has left an indelible mark in the history of the Union.
It was an evening of eulogies and resounding ovation as the de la creme del a creme of the maritime  industry converged in their numbers to honour Dr Adeyanju.
High points of the event was the launch of the book of the book ‘History of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, which chronicled the union’s struggles, achievement and growth from 1996 to 2024,and  presentation of awards to  eminent industry stakeholders, union members and journalists who have contributed  to the Union’s growth and  transformation over the years.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and leaders from various maritime unions and organizations.