The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has commended the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, on the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Union and the Melsmore Marine Limited.
Comrade Bunu also expressed gratitude to Dr. Mobereola for his efforts towards improving workers’ welfare in the maritime industry.
In a statement signed by the MWUN Head of Media, John Kennedy Ikemefuna, on Wednesday, the newly signed CBA establishes the operational framework for union workers’ in the shipping company operating within the maritime industry.
Speaking on Dr. Mobereola’s impact, Comrade Bunu described him as one of the best Director-Generals ever produced by the Agency — thorough, proactive, disciplined, and consistently committed to duty.
Bunu acknowledged that the DG’s vast knowledge of maritime administration was instrumental in ensuring a balanced and successful outcome for both organisations.
Dr. Mobereola had been on both sides of the divide, thereby making sure that both parties struck a balanced deal over the maritime workers’ in their employ.
“In the long run, the management of Melsmore saw reasons why the Union workers in their fold should be given a sense of belonging in the maritime space, where the Union also regulates amongst other top agencies in the country, especially NIMASA.
“In view of this milestone, the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria salutes Dr. Mobereola for his commendable courage, and that of his Executive Director on Labour and Cabotage Services, for a job well done in giving both parties fair and just treatment,” Comrade Bunu stated.
He noted that the relationship between all parties in the maritime sector would continue to strengthen, having reached this level of mutual understanding within a short time.
The veteran sailor also thanked the management of Melsmore Limited for granting the Union a listening ear, stressing that companies that neglect workers’ welfare as prescribed by labour laws invite legitimate union intervention.
He further affirmed that the Union is impressed with the intervention of Dr. Mobereola, who played the role of a “Big Brother” in resolving the dispute between both parties.
“Dr. Mobereola is indeed the ‘Doctor’ of the Maritme Industry,” he added.
