The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed commitment to supporting the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in its efforts to enhance workers’ welfare and resolve concerns.
Recall that MWUN had on February 24, 2025, threatened to shut down port operations, citing “incessant harassment, bullying, and the imposition of unregulated, outrageous penalty charges” on truck drivers operating along the Apapa and Tin Can ports access roads.
However, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi represented by the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in a meeting with MWUN at its headquarters in Ijora, Lagos on Thursday, reassured the union of swift intervention.
“The CGC, who sees himself as one of you, has asked me to convey his heartfelt concern and commitment to your welfare. I can assure you that all issues raised in recent days have been identified and will be resolved,” Comptroller Olomu stated.
Olomu emphasised the importance of the maritime industry and its workers to the economy of the country saying: “When maritime workers sneeze, it’s not just the port that catches a cold, but the entire nation. Last year, we generated N6.1 trillion, and without these workers, we couldn’t have achieved this result.”
He urged the union to prioritise national interest and reconsider any plans to withdraw their services, assuring them that engagements are ongoing at a strategic level to address all concerns in the shortest possible time.
On his part, MWUN President General, Adewale Adeyanju, affirmed the engagement, describing it as a strong acknowledgment of maritime workers’ contributions.
“We are not strike mongers and we will always follow due process. Part of this is creating awareness and urging the government to look into our concerns.
“For the CGC to send a representative to us, it shows his commitment, and we will continue to respect him as one of the president’s best appointments,” President Adeyanju said.
He further described CGC Adeniyi as a grassroots leader deeply connected to the system and expressed readiness for continued collaboration with Customs.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with mutual award presentations, fostering enhanced collaboration between Customs and Maritime workers.
