The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has praised the transformation of the union under the leadership of Adewale Adeyanju, with just months remaining until the general election of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.

Ajaero made the commendation on Tuesday during the plenary session of the MWUN National Executive Council in Lagos.

Adewale Adeyanju, who is set to conclude his second four-year tenure in March 2025, first took office in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021.

In his remarks, Ajaero expressed confidence that the upcoming election would be conducted peacefully, stating, “I do not foresee any problem.”

He further explained that potential issues in unions typically arise when leaders become reluctant to step down.

“Where you have sit-tight leaders, they would have been attempting to adjust the constitution by now to remain in office. But where you have leaders who are elected with the understanding that their tenure will eventually end, you don’t expect problems. Adeyanju has brought strong leadership to MWUN, and I thank him for that,” Ajaero added.

Earlier, Adeyanju expressed his gratitude to union members for the opportunity to serve and reflected on his eight years in office, which he described as a period of liberation and progress for the union.

Acknowledging the support of his executive team, the government, sister unions, employers, and other stakeholders, Adeyanju noted that their collaboration has been key to the union’s success and the peaceful industrial harmony that has been a hallmark of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Reflecting on his tenure, Adeyanju stated, “These past eight years have meant liberation and freedom from the analogue systems of the past, through which most of us have navigated, albeit with some challenges along the way.”

He also highlighted several challenges still being faced by the union, including delays in pension payments to elderly seafarers, the implementation of the minimum wage and consequential adjustments, as well as the renewal of licenses for terminal operators. He called on the federal government and relevant stakeholders to address these issues promptly.

Additionally, Adeyanju urged companies, individuals, and other stakeholders to refrain from interfering with the union’s electoral process, emphasising that the election would be conducted democratically through a delegate process, as outlined in the MWUN constitution.