The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called for an urgent review of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) for Seafarers.
The expiration of the NJIC has left Seafarers exposed to poor working conditions, arbitrary employment practices, and weakened enforcement of agreed standards—placing responsible shipowners at a disadvantage. Stakeholders stress that this review is not merely procedural but essential, as the outcome must reflect international best practices and address the unique challenges faced by Nigerian Seafarers in coastal, offshore, and fishery operations.
Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, President-General of MWUN, emphasized the importance of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), describing it as the cornerstone of industrial peace and productivity. He advocated that the CBA should be made an integral part of compliance checks for shipowners and a mandatory requirement for both the renewal of operating certificates and the re-registration of vessels.
Abi further insisted that pension remittance for Seafarers must no longer be treated as optional. He urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies, to strictly enforce mandatory pension contributions across the maritime sector.
The MWUN leader also called for a proper review of the NJIC—one that goes beyond symbolic paperwork and establishes a standing committee to monitor compliance. He reiterated that the Union remains committed to dialogue, partnership, and progress, adding that through inclusiveness, fairness, and enforcement, Nigeria can build a maritime sector that meets global standards while protecting its most valuable assets—its people.