The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has hosted the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Advisor for Labour Conventions, Dr. Amos Hosea Kuje, at the union’s headquarters in Olodi Apapa, Lagos, in a visit aimed at deepening cooperation between both institutions and advancing maritime labour standards in Nigeria.
The meeting, described as both strategic and familiar, reaffirmed Dr. Amos’s long standing relationship with the union and focused on strengthening ILO–MWUN collaboration in key operational areas across the maritime sector. His visit also provided an opportunity to congratulate Comrade Bunu and the newly elected executive council on their recent electoral victory and assumption of leadership roles within the union.
During the engagement, the ILO advisor underscored the urgency of fully implementing Nigeria’s Cabotage laws, noting that the lack of effective enforcement continues to undermine the progress and welfare of Nigerian sailors. He stressed the need to increase employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and prioritise continuous training to equip them with modern, globally competitive skills.
Dr. Amos further called for the introduction of a unified Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covering both ratings and officers on board vessels. He also emphasised the importance of upgrading maritime training institutions across the country, arguing that improved facilities and academic standards would enhance the global relevance and competitiveness of Nigerian cadets and seafarers.
Comrade Bunu expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged the union’s commitment to implementing the issues raised. He described the engagement as timely and assured the ILO that the MWUN leadership would work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that the concerns highlighted ranging from seafarer welfare to training and institutional upgrades receive the urgent attention they deserve.
Comrade Bunu, a veteran sailor and respected maritime administrator, reaffirmed the union’s dedication to promoting a more productive, efficient, and globally aligned maritime sector. He assured that MWUN would maintain close communication with the ILO and continue collaborating on initiatives that advance the welfare and professional development of Nigerian maritime workers.
