The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), under the leadership of Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has issued a strong warning to Crown Flour Mills Plc, Lagos, over the company’s continued refusal to allow unionization of its port-based workforce.
For over twenty-two years, MWUN has operated alongside Crown Flour Mills within the port premises. Despite this longstanding presence and the clear eligibility of the workers to be represented by MWUN, the company has consistently denied the union access to organize its employees.
Comrade Bunu expressed deep concern over the persistent suppression of workers’ rights, describing the situation as both oppressive and unacceptable in today’s era of global labour standards. “It is disheartening that such blatant disregard for workers’ rights still exists,” he stated. “In a time when labour rights are globally recognized and protected, this level of manipulation is intolerable.”
The union has vowed to take decisive action if Crown Flour Mills continues to resist. Comrade Bunu warned that MWUN would have no choice but to withdraw the services of all Crown Flour Mills staff operating within the ports. He emphasized that no legitimate union would permit an external body to encroach upon its jurisdiction or deny its rightful role in representing eligible workers.
Highlighting a recent successful unionization effort in Warri, Delta State, Comrade Bunu asserted that Lagos must not be an exception. “If we achieved this in Warri, we will achieve it in Lagos. The rights of workers must be upheld everywhere,” he affirmed.