Shipping Agencies Approve N200,000 Minimum Wage for Workers.
The signing ceremony between SACFEA and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) was organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, with support from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This agreement comes after 20 years of negotiations.
During the signing event in Lagos on Saturday, SACFEA President Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN) highlighted that the new minimum wage for workers in the shipping industry is the highest in any sector across the nation.
“The most significant aspect of this agreement is that we have set a minimum standard for the shipping industry that surpasses any other industry in Nigeria. The national minimum wage is N70,000, and we know the challenges faced in getting the Federal Government to that point.
“With this agreement, our minimum wage is N200,000, nearly triple the national minimum wage,” she stated.
Alabi emphasized that although workers initially requested N160,000, employers went beyond this to offer N200,000, recognizing the current economic conditions and the importance of ensuring the well-being and future security of workers.
She expressed confidence that the new agreement would contribute to the growth of the nation’s blue economy through standardized conditions, leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency.
“With these minimum standards, we will no longer have unqualified individuals in the system. We are also drawing on global developments to enhance practices in Nigeria.
“One of the major challenges in the country is the high cost of doing business. This development will help reduce those costs and allow us to compete more effectively,” she added.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged workers in shipping agencies to increase their productivity and efficiency in response to the improved conditions agreed upon by their employers.
“I encourage labor unions to remain committed and active in advocating for workers’ rights by ensuring compliance with these standards,” Oyetola said.
He added that the government would continue to provide oversight and foster an environment conducive to compliance and ongoing improvements.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that all stakeholders uphold the principles of this agreement. I urge industry employers to embrace these conditions as a means of fostering a positive work environment,” the Minister remarked.
President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, expressed the union’s gratitude for the achievement and assured that shipping workers would deliver higher performance.
“As we celebrate this accomplishment, we must remember that our work is not yet finished. We will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of maritime workers and employers to ensure peaceful industrial harmony,” Adeyanju said.
Adeyanju, who also serves as the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, reaffirmed the MWUN’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders for the benefit of the industry.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, credited the achievement to the exceptional leadership of Oyetola and praised the leaders of MWUN and SACFEA.
Akutah noted that this success reflects the dedication to workers’ welfare exemplified by Oyetola’s leadership and acknowledged the ministry’s progress through teamwork and collaboration.
In April, MWUN announced that it had finally reached an agreement with employers in the shipping industry on minimum wage standards for workers, concluding over two decades of struggle.
It is worth recalling that MWUN had previously declared a state of emergency in the maritime sector after numerous failed negotiations with shipping companies regarding improved welfare and service conditions for its members.
