Ports Activities Grounded As Maritime Workers Strike Takes Effect

Activities at Nigeria’s seaports have been grounded as the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) joins the strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Port users at the Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port and Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos were shut out of the ports, just as all commercial activities have been halted.

A trip to the various seaports, on Tuesday saw port users loitering around as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) gates were under lock and key. There was also a heavy presence of security agencies like the police and others around the ports to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The Matrix recalls that the MWUN an affiliate of the NLC had in a press statement on Monday warned that it would by midnight, Tuesday 14, 2023, commence a nationwide strike.

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According to the media officer of the union, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the strike follows the the instructions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held, on Monday, November 13, 2023, directing all affiliates of the Congress to strictly comply.

“The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) took this decision after their joint meeting in Abuja, which was prompted by a series of infractions and encroachments of the rights of workers, and the distressing incidents involving the abduction and assault on the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and other Unions’ officials and the continued refusal of the government to implement agreements, non-payment of a backlog of salaries, pensions, discriminatory payment of salaries and non-compliance to national minimum wage.

“As an affiliate of the NLC, the MWUN is geared to commence the nationwide strike as directed by the NLC” Ikemefuna said.