MWUN Condemns Deplorable Living Conditions Of Seafarers On Ship & Shore Services Vessels
MWUN Condemns Deplorable Living Conditions Of Seafarers On Ship & Shore Services Vessels
MWUN President General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has strongly condemned the appalling living and working conditions of Nigerian seafarers employed aboard vessels owned by Ship & Shore Services Ltd, based in Lagos.
In a statement released by the Union’s Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the Union expressed deep concern over the inhumane treatment of its members aboard the tanker vessel MT Bawarza and tugboats Battle Axe and MT Spain. The vessels are reportedly operated under substandard conditions, exposing crew members to serious health and safety risks.
According to the Union, the matter was brought to the attention of its leadership following complaints from crew members about the poor sanitary conditions, inadequate health facilities, and overall neglect of basic human and maritime safety standards.
President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, a maritime expert and seasoned sailor, vowed to take decisive action, warning that no maritime employer would be allowed to operate with such “impunity” under his watch.
“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, Nigerian seafarers are still subjected to dehumanizing conditions that expose them to diseases and threaten their well-being,” Bunu said. “We will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet.”
He emphasized that seafarers are entitled to a safe and secure work environment that complies with international safety and health standards. He accused Ship & Shore Services Ltd of gross negligence and warned that the Union would pursue all legal and regulatory channels to ensure accountability.
The Union has since reported the matter to the appropriate government agencies for urgent intervention and promised to closely monitor the situation to ensure the rights and welfare of its members are upheld.
The MWUN reiterated its commitment to protecting maritime workers and holding employers accountable for violations of workers’ rights and safety standards.
