The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Regional Adviser for Labour Conventions, Dr Amos Kuje, has renewed calls for the urgent implementation of the Cabotage laws, the commencement of a single Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for all seafarers, and the upgrading of Nigeria’s maritime training institutions.
Dr Amos delivered the strong message during a visit to the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening long-standing ties between the ILO and the Union.
The ILO chieftain stressed that the swift implementation of the Cabotage laws had become critical, warning that their continued ineffectiveness was undermining the fortunes of sailors in the Nigerian maritime industry. He argued that enforcing the laws was essential to protecting indigenous seafarers and improving employment opportunities within the sector.
Dr Amos further advocated the introduction of a unified Collective Bargaining Agreement that would cover both Ratings and Officers serving on vessels. According to him, adopting a single CBA would enhance fairness, harmonise labour standards and improve the welfare structure for all seafarers operating under Nigerian jurisdiction.
He also highlighted the urgent need to upgrade all maritime training institutions across the country. Such upgrades, he noted, would ensure that cadets graduating from Nigerian institutions remain at par with their counterparts globally.
He maintained that improved facilities and training standards would significantly elevate the status and acceptance of Nigerian seafarers “in all the nooks and crannies of the world.”
The ILO Adviser equally emphasised the necessity of providing regular and advanced training for Nigerian seafarers to equip them with modern, sophisticated operational methodologies. This, he said, was vital for enabling them to compete effectively with professionals from other maritime nations.
While congratulating the MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi and his executives on their recent electoral victory and new leadership positions, Dr Amos reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting the Union’s efforts in promoting decent work in the maritime sector.
Responding, Comrade Bunu described the visit as expected and deeply valued by the Union’s leadership and members, and assured the ILO representative that all issues raised would be implemented “to the letter” and with a firm sense of purpose.
The MWUN President-General also pledged to work closely with relevant agencies in the sector to ensure that the concerns highlighted by the ILO receive the required attention and are promptly addressed.
Comrade Bunu stated that the Union would take deliberate steps towards achieving the enforcement of Cabotage laws, initiating processes for a single CBA, and engaging stakeholders on the upgrading of maritime training institutions for the collective benefit of Nigerian seafarers.
He affirmed that the MWUN would continue to keep the ILO fully updated on developments and maintain close collaboration in all areas of mutual interest.
