The Federal Government has stated that the welfare of maritime workers remains a top priority, reiterating its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector as a catalyst for economic growth.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this recently during the 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.

The event also marked the expiration of the tenure of Adewale Adeyanju as the president-general of MWUN and the election of his successor, Francis Bunu.

Represented at the event by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Olorunfemi Oloruntola, Oyetola underscored the vital role of maritime workers in national development.

“The welfare of maritime workers remains a priority for the government,” said Oyetola, who highlighted the recognition of the maritime sector as a crucial component of economic advancement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He assured that policies will continue “to be crafted to improve working conditions and industry standards.”

In his farewell address, former MWUN President-General Adeyanju reflected on his tenure, describing it as a period of transformation and industrial harmony.

He recounted the body’s key achievements, which include the establishment of a minimum standard for conditions of service that set a benchmark salary of N200,000 for shipping workers, improved welfare packages for dockworkers and seafarers, and the successful negotiation of disengagement benefits for aged seafarers.

He also noted the union’s expansion, including new units at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Port, and Midstream Operations, as well as the modernisation of MWUN’s operations through the commissioning of a new secretariat and the establishment of a legal department.