Over 5,000 Maritime Workers dismissed by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) since the year 2000, without receiving their gratuities or any compensation, have issued a desperate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly.
Led by their Chairman, Comrade Olumegbo Babatunde, the workers made their appeal during a five-day Labour Rights Seminar organized by the Bureau of African Human Democratic Rights (BALHADER) to mark “The 26th International Criminal Justice Day in Nigeria.” The event took place on July 17, 2024, at Uncle Jay Hotel in Olodi Apapa.
Comrade Babatunde reported that over 5,000 members of the Maritime Workers Union were dismissed in a single day and in subsequent years without any form of compensation. He lamented that all efforts to secure compensation or reinstatement have been in vain, with no response to their plight.
He highlighted that many workers, who had dedicated 20-35 years of service as Dockworkers, were dismissed without receiving any severance pay. Tragically, 497 of their members have passed away, some are suffering from lifelong injuries, and others are critically ill, with no support.
He criticized the former Transport Minister, Alhaji Muazu Sambo, for falsely claiming in 2022 that the federal government owed no compensation due to port concessions. Babatunde expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and poverty that have afflicted their families despite their years of hard work.
In March 2024, the affected workers sent a letter to the President, which was acknowledged by his office. They are now awaiting a response from both the President and the National Assembly.
Comrade Monday Muntari, another affected worker, criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its failure to protect their interests since 2001. He noted that the NLC conducted elections for the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) despite a restraining order and held another election in 2021 without the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity’s approval. He called for the immediate dissolution of the current MWUN executive, which he believes is illegitimate.
Comrade Adeoti, one of the injured workers with a broken leg, urged the Federal Government to establish an inquiry into the non-payment of dismissed Dockworkers, particularly at the Apapa seaport.
Human Rights Activist and Programme Director of BALHADER, Comrade Uchenna Uzoije, called for the eradication of perpetual casualization among Dockworkers in Nigerian seaports, highlighting the severe hardships and exploitation they face.