President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive strategy in tackling the menace of unseaworthy barges and tugboats operating on Nigerian waters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, Bunu made this appeal during a courtesy visit by executives of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) to the union’s headquarters in Apapa over the weekend. He commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its ongoing reforms aimed at improving vessel safety, describing the agency’s enforcement measures as a significant step toward ensuring maritime security.

Bunu noted that the problem of unseaworthy vessels extends beyond barges, emphasizing that tugboats — which are essential for moving barges — also require close regulatory attention. He urged the Federal Government to involve all relevant maritime agencies in creating a unified safety framework capable of addressing the challenges facing both large and small vessels.

“The issue of non-seaworthiness is not limited to barges alone. Tugboats are also part of the challenge. The Federal Government must take a holistic approach through its agencies to deal with these issues effectively,” he stated.

While acknowledging NIMASA’s efforts, particularly its policy to phase out single-hull vessels, Bunu expressed concern that smaller craft such as barges and tugboats still represent the weakest link in maritime safety compliance. He stressed the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement to prevent recurring marine accidents, which have recently claimed lives and raised alarm within the industry.

The MWUN leader emphasized that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways is a shared responsibility, not one to be shouldered by trade unions alone. He urged government regulators to “wake up to their duties,” warning that neglect could further endanger workers and maritime infrastructure.

During the visit, MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, commended Bunu for stabilising the union and fostering unity within the sector. He described MWUN as “the powerhouse of maritime labour,” noting that its leadership plays a crucial role in maintaining industrial peace. Aniemu also briefed the union on preparations for the upcoming All-Nigeria Maritime Conference scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the Lekki Free Zone, where major maritime stakeholders are expected to deliberate on industry challenges and prospects.

Responding, Bunu expressed appreciation to the media for their contributions to peacebuilding and accountability in the maritime sector. He urged journalists to continue promoting truth and fairness in their reports, warning that misinformation remains a major obstacle to progress.

He further highlighted the union’s initiatives to enhance workplace safety through nationwide inspections and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidents among dockworkers and seafarers. Bunu dismissed allegations of imposed candidates in union elections as false, insisting that MWUN’s internal processes remain transparent and democratic.

On workers’ welfare, he announced that the union had achieved significant milestones through improved Collective Bargaining Agreements across its four key sectors — dockworkers, seafarers, Nigerian Ports Authority staff, and shipping employees. He also disclosed that discussions with the Federal Government on outstanding payments to aged seafarers were at an advanced stage, expressing optimism that the matter would soon be resolved.

The meeting ended with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration between the media and maritime labour groups in advancing safety, transparency, and welfare within Nigeria’s maritime industry.