The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited, demanding full compliance with labour standards or face widespread industrial action.
In a press release signed by Head of Media for MWUN , Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the union accused Melsmore Marine of consistently violating critical labour laws, including the refusal to provide a valid Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and records of pension contributions to workers’ Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
Acting under the directive of its President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, MWUN said the ultimatum follows prolonged and unsuccessful negotiations with Melsmore Marine, whose head office is located at Choscharis Plaza on Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Melsmore Marine, an active player in Nigeria’s maritime sector, employs unionized maritime workers who are legally entitled to union-negotiated benefits and statutory pension contributions. The Union contends that the company’s refusal to release the requested documents violates both industry regulations and Nigeria’s existing labour laws.
MWUN emphasised that it had made several conciliatory efforts to resolve the matter amicably but was met with silence and disregard from the company’s management.
According to the union demands are clear for the immediate release of the current CBA and a full breakdown of all pension remittances made on behalf of employees. And Failure to meet these demands within the 21-day window will prompt a nationwide industrial response, including picketing of all Melsmore Marine offices and operational sites.
MWUN reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of all maritime workers across the country, declaring that no company regardless of size or influence will be allowed to trample on the legal and financial rights of Nigerian workers.
“ This defiant refusal by Melsmore to comply with lawful requests amounts to deception and potential fraud, warning that such actions have eroded trust and sparked unrest among employees. Workers are increasingly fearful that they may have been denied access to their rightful pension entitlements.
“This 21-day ultimatum serves as a final warning,” MWUN warned. “Melsmore must choose between cooperation and confrontation.”
