Bunu Declares Delegates Conference Open, Says Dockworkers, Seafarers Crucial to National Economy
By Maria Yusuf
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has emphasised the vital role of dockworkers and seafarers in sustaining the national economy, stating that without their contribution, revenue generating agencies would struggle to function effectively.
He made this assertion while addressing delegates, stakeholders, and observers at the ongoing 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Dockworkers Branch, currently taking place in Warri, Delta State.
According to the union leader, the maritime workforce remains a key driver of revenue generation and trade facilitation, yet their significance is often overlooked. He said that without dockworkers and seafarers , there will be no revenue and movement of goods.
He further called on industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities to prioritise the welfare and operational concerns of maritime workers, noting that national economic performance is directly linked to the strength and stability of the sector.
The President General also used the platform to call for unity and cooperation among union members as the branch prepares to elect new leadership. He reminded all contestants that leadership is a position of trust and not a tool for personal ambition.
While declaring the conference open officially, he noted that Warri was chosen as a location because of its strategic maritime relevance and it is expected to usher in a new era of leadership for the Dockworkers Branch, with a strong focus on transparency, progress, and collective development.
The immediate past President General of the Union Comrade Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, in his remarks also urged delegates and contestants to ensure that the election is conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and democratic manner.
Dr. Adeyanju emphasised that the strength of the union lies in its unity and discipline, especially during moments of leadership transition.
He commended the Dockworkers Branch for its consistent contributions to the growth of MWUN and the maritime industry at large, expressing confidence that the incoming leadership will build on the legacy of service and commitment.
