The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a stern warning regarding a potential withdrawal of services from ports and jetties if the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding, Working Under the Ministry of Transportation, fails to address the unpaid salaries of its members. The union has reported that many workers have not received their salaries for the past nine months, creating significant unrest and frustration within the maritime sector. This situation has led to alarming warnings of an impending industrial crisis if the Council fails to resolve the payment issue swiftly. The Deputy Secretary-General of MWUN, Oniha Erazua, articulated the urgency of the matter in a statement released on Thursday, signaling that without immediate action, a standoff between workers and the CRFFN is imminent.
In his remarks, Erazua elaborated on the union’s persistent efforts to engage with the CRFFN in order to find an amicable solution to the salary disputes. These efforts have included multiple ultimatums and mediatory meetings, the latest of which took place in Abuja on September 18, 2024. However, Erazua alleged that the acting Registrar of CRFFN has repeatedly ignored these initiatives, failing to honor prior agreements that emphasized the need to prioritize employee welfare, particularly concerning the payment of salaries. He pointed out a significant resolution that mandated that available funds should be directed towards fulfilling salary obligations before any other expenses were considered, emphasizing that this agreement has been continuously overlooked, exacerbating tensions between the union and the Council.
The union’s frustration was further amplified by allegations of the CRFFN management engaging in seemingly frivolous activities, such as organizing selective training programs while neglecting the dire need to address the growing backlog of unpaid salaries. Erazua stressed that this behavior reflects a troubling indifference towards the welfare of employees, undermining their financial security and morale. He issued a stark warning that if the acting Registrar and CRFFN management do not act promptly to settle the outstanding wage arrears, the union would be left with no choice but to withdraw the services of its members across all impacted sectors. Such a withdrawal would have widespread repercussions, disrupting operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority, affecting dock labor, shipping and freight forwarding agencies, and seamen working in various capacities across the country.
In support of the union’s claims, a source close to the CRFFN corroborated the union’s assertions about the financial difficulties faced by the Council. The source explained that the government removed CRFFN from the federal budget in January, which significantly hampered its ability to pay staff salaries consistently. The Council managed to pay a portion of January’s salaries around May, but unfortunately, many employees have not received any payment since then. The source described the situation as dire, stating that employees were becoming increasingly frustrated and frustrated, especially when compared to their counterparts in other agencies who would not tolerate similar treatment. The ongoing delays have led to feelings of disenchantment among staff, who have shown considerable patience in the face of adversity but are reaching a breaking point concerning pay.
Moreover, the source articulated their concern about the accountability and management practices within CRFFN, stressing that many employees feel they have been misled by promises of timely payments that ultimately remain unfulfilled. Attempts to get a comment from the acting Registrar of CRFFN, Mrs. Cicilia Uromta, proved unsuccessful, as she did not answer calls or respond to messages. This lack of communication only intensifies the perception that the management is either unwilling or unable to adequately address the grievances put forth by the union and its members. This silence from management can further aggravate the existing tensions, as affected workers and the union may perceive it as an unwillingness to engage in dialogue or rectify the ongoing issues.
In light of these escalating circumstances, the MWUN has called for significant intervention by relevant authorities to curb what it describes as ongoing impunity by the CRFFN. The union expressed its frustration over the continuous neglect of employee welfare by an organization whose primary function should be to regulate and protect the interests of freight forwarders and workers alike within the maritime sector. As employees face increasing financial hardships and uncertainty, the urgency for a sustainable resolution has never been clearer. The union’s readiness to take action underscores a robust commitment to securing just compensation for its members and ensuring that their welfare is not compromised amid systemic challenges.
With the potential for widespread disruptions looming, it is imperative that authorities and stakeholders recognize the gravity of the situation within the maritime sector. MWUN’s warnings should serve as a clarion call, highlighting the critical need to prioritize workers’ rights and financial stability. The ongoing scenario presents a unique opportunity for dialogue and reparative measures between the CRFFN management and the union, crucial for promoting employee morale, fostering trust, and preventing the collapse of operations at pivotal points like the Nigerian Ports Authority and major shipping agencies. As the union prepares to take a stand, resolving this matter with urgency may not only avert an industrial crisis but also reinforce the foundational principles of justice and equity within the workforce.
