Maritime workers set agenda for Tinubu govt., want industry professionals to head agencies
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has set clear agenda for the new government, led by President Bola Tinubu.
The president General of the union, Prince Adewale Adeyanju called on the Tinubu led government to pay proper attention to the maritime sector and ensure that competent professionals with deep knowledge of the industry are appointed to head the agencies in the sector.
Adeyanju, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) made the call at the Round Table Discussion organized on Thursday May 25, by the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) and held at the Association’s Secretariat at Apapa, Lagos State.
He made the assertion in reaction to the clamour in some quarters that new ministry should be created for the maritime sector. He pointed out that creation of new ministry is not the solution to the myriad of challenges in the sector but efficiency.
To ensure that there is efficiency in NPA, NiMASA and others agencies in the sector, Adeyanju said appointment should be based on those who have deep knowledge of the industry, as this will bring about great value and improvement in the entire maritime industry.
Adeyanju noted that creation of Maritime Ministry is not the most important issue but efficient management. “What is important is efficiency. If there is no efficiency among the management team, creation of new ministry will still amount to the same problem”, the MWUN president said.
Adeyanju lamented that the past government did not give the needed attention to the maritime sector, and worst still, neglected Warri and Calabar ports. He therefore charge the Tinubu led government to develop all ports in the country so as to enhance greater productivity in the sector.
Adeyanju said “the government should give attention to Warri, Calabar and other ports, instead of focusing only on Lagos ports, when other ports can be deployed to boost growth in the industry. Also, the government should put the ports access roads in good shape like what is obtainable in other countries.
“For instance, the access road to TinCan Island Port in Lagos has been taken over by artisans, food vendors cooking on the roads and other commercial activities taking place there. If you go to TinCan port in the evening, you will even see pupils in their uniforms playing on the major road. This is not the only place; the road leading to Onne Port is nothing to reckon with. The new administration should address these issues”.
