Nationwide strike: Maritime workers shutdown Seaports

By Seun Ibiyemi

Economic and commercial activities at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as well as other ports across the country were paralyzed on Monday as the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) joined the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The strike, which began indefinitely, is in protest of the federal government’s failure to conclude on the national minimum wage and refusal to reverse the new electricity tariff.

It was gathered that commercial activities at the ports are currently at a standstill with the Apapa and Tin-Can Island port gates locked resulting in a crowd gathering outside the port as staff members were denied entry.

Port users, were also prevented from accessing their offices, thereby causing disruptions to the supply chain. The President, NPA Branch of MWUN, Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli confirmed to our correspondent that the ports were grounded in compliance with the NLC directive and would remain so until the strike is called off.

“The ports are currently shutdown and this will continue until the strike last, ” he said.

Also speaking, President of Dockworkers branch of MWUN, Comrade Ibrahim Ohize said vessels are not allowed to berth and no trucks are permitted to go in or leave the port.

“The strike is ongoing and it is indefinate, affecting all ports in the country including Warri, Port Harcourt and Onne, ” he said.

Ohize stressed that the Union is complying with the NLC’s directive and they are awaiting instructions from the leadership of the various unions who are currently in Abuja.

“We are standing solidly behind the NLC and we will not bayanack down until our demands are met, ” he said.