The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, has commended Nigerian workers for their steadfastness and courage.
Dr. Adeyanju gave the commendation during the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja on Friday.
The former President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) expressed appreciation for workers’ love for the country and their commitment across all sectors, especially the maritime industry.
He also praised key stakeholders for sustaining the sector, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Director-General of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the leadership of STOAN, among others.
Comrade Adeyanju, who is also President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), urged the Federal Government to address the recurring issue of returning onboard gangway men to vessels at the nation’s seaports.
According to him, this would enhance accountability by ensuring proper monitoring of cargo and accurate documentation of goods discharged, thereby boosting government revenue and curbing pilferage.
“Nigerian workers deserve better wages, not a ‘monkey’ take-home,” he said.
He added that workers’ well-being is directly tied to their productivity, emphasising that they deserve a decent standard of living.
Adeyanju also called attention to the plight of retirees of the defunct Nigerian Shipping Line (NSL), whose verification has long been completed but remain unpaid.
“It should not take their deaths before their legitimate pensions are paid,” he said, while appealing to the government to settle the retirees promptly.
He further thanked the Nigerian workers for their dedication and wished them a happy Labour Day.
On his part, the President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, called for better pay for Nigerian workers.
Comrade Bunu lauded workers for their resilience, tolerance, commitment, and perseverance, noting that they have continued to uphold the dignity of labour despite the challenges the country is striving to overcome.
He also appreciated Nigerian workers across all sectors, affirming that their contributions to the nation’s economy will not go in vain.
The MWUN President-General noted that the various challenges facing the country are receiving the attention of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that the nation’s economy will improve in the near future, urging stakeholders to remain patient and committed to delivering genuine service to the country.
Bunu reminded all tiers of government that labour remains the wheel of progress in any society, stressing that workers should not be neglected or treated with indifference. He described workers as the driving force of national development and emphasised that they must not be treated at arm’s length.
He added that no nation can progress while neglecting the welfare of its citizens, calling on the government to review workers’ remuneration and improve welfare across all sectors.
Bunu noted that Labour Day is a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate workers and engage governments and employers on issues affecting their welfare.
He explained that the day provides an opportunity for workers to interact with authorities, present grievances, and demand improved working conditions and better living standards.
He urged the Federal Government to take the issue of insecurity more seriously, noting that widespread insecurity hinders labour productivity and national growth.
According to him, a secure nation is essential for a strong economy, which in turn fosters a positive and fearless workforce.
Bunu commended employers across the country for their commitment to their workforce while sustaining operations in challenging times.
He equally expressed appreciation to maritime employers and stakeholders for their resilience, expressing confidence that the sector’s future remains bright.
He wished Nigerian workers a happy May Day and thanked them for their dedication and service.
