The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have called for an urgent review of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement for seafarers in Nigeria, citing worsening working conditions and weak enforcement of labour standards.
The agencies said the expiration of the NJIC has exposed seafarers to poor working conditions, arbitrary employment practices, and inadequate protection, while also placing responsible ship owners at a disadvantage.
They stressed that the review of the agreement is not merely procedural but a critical step toward aligning Nigeria’s maritime labour practices with international standards and addressing the peculiar challenges faced by seafarers operating in coastal, offshore, and fishery sectors.
Speaking on the issue, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, described the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the foundation of industrial harmony and productivity in the maritime sector.
According to him, the union is advocating for the inclusion of the CBA as part of the mandatory compliance checklist for ship owners, especially during the renewal of operating certificates and re-registration of vessels.
Comrade Bunu also emphasised that pension remittance for seafarers should no longer be treated as optional. He called on NIMASA and other relevant regulatory agencies to strictly enforce pension contributions across the coastal, offshore, and fishery sectors.
He further urged stakeholders to ensure that the NJIC review goes beyond paperwork, insisting on the establishment of a standing committee to monitor compliance and guarantee effective implementation.
The PG reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue, partnership, and sustainable development of the maritime industry, noting that inclusiveness, fairness, and strict enforcement of standards are essential for building a globally competitive maritime sector.
He added that protecting the welfare of seafarers remains central to achieving long-term growth and stability in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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