The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has paid a solidarity visit to a member of the union who was involved in a workplace accident on June 9th , 2025 while discharging his duties in Apapa, Lagos.
This visit was carried out by members of the union led by Bunu on 10th July, 2025 at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
According to the PG, the visit by the union leadership underscores MWUN’s strong commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of its members, particularly those who face hazardous conditions in the course of their duties.
Bunu also expressed concern over the member’s condition and assured him of the union’s support throughout his recovery process, while reassuring other union members of the organisation’s commitment to their welfare.
Speaking further, he said that the incident has brought renewed focus to the challenges faced by maritime workers in Nigeria, who often operate in highrisk environments with inadequate safeguards.
The president general, also reiterated its call for the federal government and private sector employers to invest in infrastructure, enforce labor laws, and establish robust emergency response systems.
He passionately called for a “Safety First” approach across all maritime operations, stressing that no job is worth the life or limb of any worker. He also urged employers, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies to prioritise the implementation of strict safety protocols and continuous training to prevent avoidable accidents.
“ Our visit today is not just a show of solidarity, it is a call to action. This incident is a painful reminder that we must never relent in our efforts to demand better safety protocols and working conditions for all maritime workers. We cannot continue to treat the lives of our workers as expendable. Their health, safety, and dignity must be non-negotiable.
“ The maritime industry can be a hazardous one, and it’s essential that we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our members. As the President-General of MWUN, I want to assure our members that we’re committed to supporting them in times of need.
“ The union will continue to engage with regulatory bodies and employers to ensure that proper safety mechanisms, training, and equipment are in place. We must move from mere compliance to a genuine culture of safety.
“ Our members work in some of the most demanding and dangerous conditions in the country, and it is unacceptable for any of them to be injured or lose their lives due to preventable accidents. We are demanding that employers and stakeholders across the maritime industry take full responsibility for ensuring proper safety standards, equipment, and training. Every worker deserves to return home alive and well.”
