Comrade Abass Oluyinka Emerges As New President Of MWUN Shipping Branch, Vows To Collaborate For Maritime Growth

Comrade Abass Oluyinka Emerges As New President Of MWUN Shipping Branch, Vows To Collaborate For Maritime Growth
……as Ekpeyoung bows out
……Bunu declares new direction for union decentralization, calls for unity post-elections

New president of shipping branch , Maritime Workers Union,comrade Abass Olufemi Oluyinka

By Frank Odinukaeze

Comrade Abass Olufemi Oluyinka has officially assumed leadership as the newly elected President of the Shipping Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), delivering an emotional and appreciative acceptance speech during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held at the National Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos,on Monday.

In his remarks, Comrade Oluyinka expressed deep gratitude to his predecessors and leaders of the union, notably acknowledging the unwavering support and guidance of the President General, whom he described as “a man of his word.”

“My greatest leader, I want to appreciate you so much for this day that you have helped bring to reality,” Oluyinka declared. “You have shown clarity, taken timely actions, and demonstrated what leadership truly means. On behalf of my people, I say a big thank you.”

New Executive of Shipping branch being sworn in on Monday

The new president also took a reflective tone in addressing the internal politics of the union, jokingly referencing perceived oppression under past leadership and the spirited exchanges often seen in union politics.

“Whatever was said when talking to our employers—sir, we don’t mean it. It is our politics,” he remarked, drawing laughter and applause from delegates.

Emphasizing unity and progress, Comrade Oluyinka pledged full cooperation with the national executive council, stating that with collective effort, the union will form “a formidable force to take maritime to the highland.”

As he concluded, he reiterated his commitment to serving the interest of the members, promoting growth in the shipping sector, and upholding the integrity of the union.
Other six members elected into the new shipping branch executive include:
Rosemary Otikpere, Vice President; Philip Mukoro, Treasurer; Williams Boniface Jon, Trustee; Com. Ubah Ugochukwu, Trustee; Com. Fowowe Micheal, Auditor and Com. Pat Eyonsa Paloma as Special Female member

President General MWUN comrade Francis Bunu Abi, addressing the gathering at the 6th quraddrenial conference of the shipping branch of the Union,on Monday

Earlier the outgoing two term president of the branch,comrade Ekpeyoung T. Ekpeyoung ,
reflecting on his tenure,described the journey as filled with both challenges and achievements, but one defined by unity, resilience, and impactful leadership. “Our shared memories are difficult to discuss in past tense,” he noted, expressing hope that the conference would serve to further unite and strengthen the branch.

Outgoing president, shipping branch, Comrade Ekpeyoung T. Ekpeyoung

One of the notable achievements highlighted during his address was the successful negotiation of improved collective bargaining agreements with shipping companies, focusing on enhanced worker benefits and improved working conditions. These gains, according to him, include increased salaries, better health allowances, paid leave, retirement plans, housing and transport allowances, children education support, and improved safety and workload conditions.

In a historic development, Ekpenyong announced that the branch now has a minimum entry standard for workers—an achievement that had long eluded the Union. He credited this feat to the tireless efforts of former President General, Comrade (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju, former National Treasurer, Comrade Uche Igwe-Onu, and the collaborative support of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. A dedicated committee has already been established to oversee the standard’s implementation and ensure consequential industry adjustments.

Further expanding the Union’s influence, the outgoing president announced the successful unionisation of two new entities—the Lillypond Export Command and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN), a Federal Government agency. He described the move as a “significant progress” for the branch.

However, Ekpenyong also raised concern over the persistent threats of outsourcing and casualization, which continue to undermine job security and workers’ welfare in the maritime sector. He condemned these practices, often employed by terminal operators and shipping
In his acceptance speech,the newly elected president affirmed his readiness to take the Union to the next level,while also calling for collaboration and support from members of

Addressing th gathering, President General of the Union,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi,
reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering grassroots leadership structures, particularly at the unit and district levels, while urging members to embrace unity and due process in union affairs.

Comrade Abi emphasized the critical role of unit and district executives in sustaining the union’s operations and achieving its broader goals. He declared that, under his watch, the foundation of MWUN’s strength must be built from the bottom up.

“A good unit chairman is a future district chairman. A good district chairman is a future branch president,” he said. “This administration will empower the units and the districts because that is where the bulk of the union work lies.”
Addressing contestants and stakeholders ahead of the branch elections, Comrade Abi encouraged healthy competition but cautioned against in-fighting or desperation for positions, insisting that the real strength of the union lies in service and capacity, not titles.

“After today, elections are over. It’s time for work,” he declared. “If you can’t meet the set targets, there is no room for fire. You must have climbed from unit to district before becoming a branch president.”
He acknowledged the efforts of employers who have continued to support their staff and engage the union constructively despite operational challenges, extending gratitude to the few companies in the shipping industry who have shown appreciation to the union.

“We have several companies in shipping, but only a few come to say thank you,” he noted. “For those who are here, we say thank you.”
Comrade Abi also laid out a clear structure for resolving disputes and handling union matters, stressing that due process must be followed — from the unit, to the district, to the branch, and only then to the national level.

“You don’t just burst into my office because you’re a unit chairman,” he cautioned. “Follow the hierarchy. Let us build an organized system.”
He urged members to avoid political bitterness following elections, stressing that only collective effort can deliver progress in the branch and improve workers’ welfare.

“Please, shipping branch, let us use this opportunity. There’s a new sheriff in town who wants to make sure things are better,” he said. “Let us work together. The union without you [unit and district officers] is not there.”
In closing, Comrade Abi called on all members to focus on unity, diligence, and service to the union.
Present at the historic event were representatives of GAC shipping company and GMT.In their goodwill messages they expressed support for the new administration ,while acknowledging the high standards and orderliness exhibited by the foremost maritime Union at the event.
The event marks a significant transition in leadership within one of the key branches of MWUN, with stakeholders optimistic about a new era of collaboration and advancement in Nigeria’s maritime industry.