By Tunde Ojudun
The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, received Dr. Amos Hosea Kuje, Regional Advisor for Labour Conventions at the International Labour Organization (ILO), at the Union’s headquarters on Osho Drive, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.
Dr. Amos’s visit reaffirmed his longstanding relationship with MWUN and aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Union and the ILO. He extended congratulations to Comrade Bunu and his executive team on their recent electoral success and new leadership roles.
The ILO chieftain, however, harped on the quick implementation of the Cabotage laws to be effective as its ineffectiveness is setting back the fortune of Sailors in Nigerian Maritime Industry; hence, he advocated more on the employment of Nigerian Seafarers, and their regular trainings to acquainting them with modern sophisticated operational methodology, to be at par with their counterparts across the globe. And this training, he said, is very necessary for Seafarers in Nigeria to equipping them for their professional input within and abroad.
Dr. Amos also did not mince words when he told Comrade Bunu that he should also commence on the single Collective
Bargaining Agreement (CBA), that will involve both the Ratings and Officers on board vessels; and the upgrading of all the Maritime Training Institutions, so as to keep the passing out cadets at par with their global counterparts; noting that if the institutions are upgraded, there will be so much significance attached to the Nigerian Seafarers in all the nooks and crannies of the world.
The President-General thanked Dr. Amos for his visit, noting that the visit was expected, and that the entire members and executives of the Union appreciate his wonderful gesture through this visit. Comrade Bunu affirmed that all that has been discussed so far would be carried out to the letters and in firm of purpose with his Executives.
The Veteran Sailor and Astute Maritime administrator, Comrade Bunu, promised the ILO Advisor, DR. Amos that he will definitely swing into action with the cooperation of some Agency in the sector towards making sure that all issues raised here would be followed with the required zeal to getting them accomplished for the betterment of Nigerian Seafarers, as the Maritime sector would witness more efficient, effective and seamless productivity in no distant period.
Comrade Bunu and his Executives thanked the guest and promised to always keep abreast with him in all ramifications.
The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared vision for a more productive and globally competitive maritime sector.
PHOTO: From left — Comrade Agboola Bolaji (President, Dockworkers), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi (PG, MWUN), Dr. Amos Hosea Kuje (ILO Advisor), and Comrade Oniha Erazua (SG, MWUN).