MWUN condemns job outsourcing at NPA, calls for restoration of workers’ gratuity

By Seun Ibiyemi

The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has raised alarm over the growing outsourcing of roles designated for junior staff at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), warning that the trend threatens the survival of the union.

Comrade Bunu made the remarks on Monday during the 6th Quadrennial Branch Delegates’ Conference of the NPA branch of the union, held at its National Secretariat in Lagos.

He cautioned that the increasing reliance on contract employment is steadily eroding the junior staff base, pushing legitimate workers aside and placing the union at risk.

“The junior workforce at NPA is dwindling, and we must not overlook this. If nothing is done, the union could become obsolete. The positions exist, yet they are being handed over to external contractors,” Bunu stated.

He appealed to the Federal Government to safeguard the interests of Nigerian workers and place the welfare of junior staff at the forefront of its labour policies across all government agencies.

Bunu also demanded the reversal of the recent reduction in gratuity benefits for NPA staff, which were slashed from 300% to 250%.

“We had anticipated an increase, not a decrease. The gratuity must be restored to its original level,” he said.

Addressing the newly elected President of the NPA Branch of MWUN, Comrade Bamidele Ajayi, Bunu encouraged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor while promoting accountability and discipline among union members.

He criticised what he described as a growing tendency among some staff to neglect their duties under the pretext of union engagements.

“You are first and foremost an NPA employee. Some individuals have been absent from work for days without proper justification. This is unacceptable. We must justify our wages through dedication and effort,” he said.

In his welcome address, outgoing Branch President Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli acknowledged improvements made by NPA management, particularly in enhancing productivity bonuses. However, he expressed concern over the steady decline in union membership, attributed to retirements, promotions, and staff losses.

He called for the urgent recruitment of junior staff, noting that several private jetties are operating without adequate NPA personnel.

Representing the NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Mrs Opabiyi Ayoola underscored the value of partnership between management and unions. She assured the new leadership of the agency’s continued cooperation and urged them to foster harmony with the senior staff association.

In a goodwill message, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, President of the NPA Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), commended the peaceful conduct of the MWUN elections and encouraged inclusive leadership.

Newly elected Branch President Comrade Bamidele Ajayi, in his acceptance speech, pledged to advocate for the rights of NPA workers and maintain unity within the union.

He paid tribute to MWUN President General Francis Bunu and former President Comrade Adewale Adeyanju for their leadership, promising to consolidate the gains achieved.

“There will be no more factions. The NPA Branch will remain a single, united entity,” Ajayi declared.