Stakeholders expect cordial business environ at seaports in 2017

Determined to ensure peaceful work environment in the nation’s seaport industry, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has created a platform that enabled the Terminal Operators and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to sign the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement.

The agreement, which is expected to last for two years, would help to ensure industrial peace. This is because it encompasses fair treatment of dockworkers and ensures that every employee gets an employment letter and a package as terminal benefits when their contract expires, said a statement signed by Isichei Osamgbi, head, Corporate Communications of NIMASA.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement at the NIMASA Headquarters in Lagos last week, Gambo Ahmed, executive director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, said the agency is committed to ensuring a friendly working environment in the port, which would help to grow international trade and investment in the nation’s economy.

Vicky Haastrup, chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), who commended NIMASA for facilitating the process of establishing peace among stakeholders in the port, also assured that terminal operators will keep to their side of the agreement.

Anthony Nted, president-general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), who also commended NIMASA for achieving harmonious working relationship between terminal operators and workers, added that MWUN is willing to abide by the signed agreement.

Meanwhile, NIMASA handed over a brand new Toyota Hiace bus to MWUN to enhance inspections of terminals by the leaders of the union, and urged them to ensure that their members are law abiding in the discharge of their dutie