MWUN Celebrates International Maritime Day, Calls For Ocean Protection

MWUN Celebrates International Maritime Day, Calls For Ocean Protection

MWUN President General Comrade Francis Bunu y

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has joined the international community in commemorating the 2025 International Maritime Day (IMD), urging mariners across the globe to prioritize safety, environmental protection, and sustainable practices in line with this year’s theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
In a statement by the Union’s Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, MWUN President-General, Comrade (Prince) Francis Bunu Abi, described the ocean as a priceless global asset that provides food, trade, jobs, biodiversity, and climate regulation. He stressed that it was the responsibility of the maritime community to protect it for the benefit of mankind.
As part of activities marking the IMD, Comrade Bunu embarked on a nationwide tour of littoral states, visiting the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Julius Berger Plc in Warri, Delta State, where he addressed dockworkers and seafarers, before proceeding to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to round off the celebrations with Nigerian mariners and international guests.
The MWUN leader reminded maritime professionals to strictly adhere to global safety and security standards, particularly the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, noting that negligence in pollution control and waste management could jeopardize Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy initiative.
“The issue of pollution, if not properly managed at sea, would destroy our seafood, weaken international trade, and make our waters less attractive,” Bunu cautioned.
He emphasized that mariners must take ownership of environmental protection by avoiding harmful practices such as dumping plastics, bottles, and sharp objects into the sea.
On climate change, Bunu urged both local and international stakeholders to intensify enforcement of regulations aimed at reducing hazardous emissions into the global environment.
Appreciating the support of industry leaders, he commended the Managing Director of NPA, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Shipowners Association of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their collaboration with MWUN in advancing maritime welfare and standards.
Bunu also extended gratitude to dignitaries, government officials, military officers, diplomats, and captains of the maritime industry who graced the IMD celebration.
He concluded by reaffirming the Union’s commitment to safeguarding the ocean as a shared heritage.
“Regardless of colour, tribe, or nationality, the ocean is ours globally, and we must protect it always,” the MWUN boss declared.