The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced the successful resolution of a compensation claim involving the family of late Comrade Okwuwa Chinedu Godwin, a union member and employee of GMS Recruitment Services Limited, who died on March 18, 2024, following an illness reportedly contracted while serving aboard a vessel.
The union said the breakthrough followed sustained intervention by its President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, who pursued the matter after assuming office, leading to an amicable settlement with the employer in line with applicable labour laws and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) provisions.
The development was disclosed in a press statement on Thursday by the Head of Media, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade John Ikemefuna.
According to the statement, the incident occurred before the emergence of the current leadership of the union, but Bunu took up the case with determination and ensured that the interests of the deceased worker’s family were protected.
It stated that following negotiations initiated by the union, GMS Recruitment Services accepted the union’s demands and complied with the agreed settlement in favour of the late worker’s family.
The statement noted that the outcome reflects the union’s commitment to protecting the welfare of its members and ensuring that employers uphold their responsibilities in cases involving workplace-related incidents.
MWUN also commended the management of GMS Recruitment Services for its cooperation and understanding throughout the process, describing the resolution as a demonstration of the importance of placing value on human lives.
The union further disclosed that the family of the late Comrade Godwin expressed appreciation to the leadership of MWUN for its efforts in ensuring that the matter was brought to a satisfactory and peaceful conclusion.
