The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing & Forwarding Agency (SSASCFA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and deepening industrial harmony within the maritime sector.
This resolve was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of SSASCFA to the MWUN headquarters at Osho Drive, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, President-General of SSASCFA, Comrade Harrison Asonye, commended the MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi for his ongoing innovation and remarkable transformation within the Union since assuming office, particularly in refining the operations and welfare of dockworkers.
Comrade Harrison also acknowledged the historical relationship between both bodies, noting that “the Association cannot operate in isolation.” He stressed the need to rekindle and strengthen the long-standing partnership between MWUN and SSASCFA for enhanced operational efficiency, while congratulating the MWUN leadership on their recent election victory.
In his response, Comrade Bunu expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as “a gesture of honour, faith, and unity of purpose.” He emphasised that the MWUN represents the junior cadre in the shipping sector, while SSASCFA oversees the senior cadre, noting that “a disconnect has long existed between the two arms of shipping representation.”
The MWUN President-General identified gaps where the Union operates in certain shipping companies without the presence of the senior staff association, describing this as “a huge void that must be closed to achieve industrial growth.”
He proposed closer collaboration between both groups to jointly pursue membership drives and the unionisation of unrepresented shipping outfits, thereby strengthening workers’ voices and promoting harmonious employer-employee relations.
Comrade Bunu reaffirmed his unwavering commitment and the Union’s full support toward the renewed cooperation, assuring SSASCFA of MWUN’s open-door policy and willingness to engage on issues of mutual interest.
He also announced plans to reciprocate the visit soon, describing it as part of efforts to “foster genuine synergy and sustained dialogue for the progress and development of the maritime industry.”
The visit, which was attended by senior officials of both unions, marked a renewed chapter in strengthening institutional ties between MWUN and SSASCFA toward achieving shared goals in the maritime sector.
