MWUN President General Receives ILO Regional Advisor ,Dr.Amos Kuje ,Seeks Stronger Ties On Seafarers’ Welfare

MWUN President General Receives ILO Regional Advisor ,Dr.Amos Kuje
,Seeks Stronger Ties On Seafarers’ Welfare

MWUN PRESIDENT GENERAL,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi (L) and ILO Regional Advisor Dr Amos Kuje (R) during the later’s visit to the MWUN Headquarters in Olodi Apapa, Lagos

By Frank Odinukaeze

The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has received the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Advisor for Labour Conventions, Dr. Amos Hosea Kuje, during a courtesy visit to the Union’s national headquarters in Osho Drive, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos.
Dr. Amos, a long-standing ally of the Union, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the ILO and MWUN, especially in areas critical to the Union’s operational efficiency and members’ welfare. He also used the occasion to congratulate Comrade Bunu and his executive council on their recent electoral victory and assumption of office.
In his remarks, the ILO advisor expressed concern over the slow implementation of the Cabotage Act, stressing that its ineffectiveness continues to undermine the prospects of Nigerian seafarers. He called for urgent measures to prioritise the employment of indigenous seafarers and provide them with regular training to keep pace with global maritime standards.
Dr. Amos further urged the MWUN leadership to push for a unified Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for both ratings and officers on Nigerian-flagged vessels. He also emphasized the need to upgrade maritime training institutions across the country to ensure that graduating cadets are globally competitive.

L-R Comrade Oniha Erazua,SG MWUN,in white ,PG MWUN,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi,ILO Regional Advisor Dr Amos Kuje,and president of Dockworkers,comrade Agboola Bolaji

Responding, Comrade Bunu thanked the ILO advisor for the visit, noting that the Union places high value on ILO’s longstanding support. He assured Dr. Amos that all issues raised would be addressed with urgency and in collaboration with relevant maritime agencies.

Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna Head of Media, MWUN in a statement affirmed that the MWUN President-General, himself a veteran sailor and seasoned maritime administrator, pledged that the Union would work tirelessly to enhance the welfare, skills and global relevance of Nigerian seafarers, adding that the sector is on course for improved efficiency and productivity.
Comrade Bunu and his executives expressed deep appreciation for the visit and affirmed their commitment to maintaining close engagement with the ILO in the interest of Nigerian maritime workers.