In a significant development, the Federal Government has successfully facilitated a minimum wage agreement between maritime labour employers, represented by the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing, and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
This milestone achievement sets a new benchmark with a minimum wage of N200,000.
Meanwhile, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) eagerly await the implementation of the previously approved N70,000 minimum wage, also championed by the Federal Government.
After over 20 years of dispute and negotiations, a groundbreaking agreement has been signed, establishing a new benchmark for conditions of service for workers in the shipping industry.
The historic signing ceremony took place in Lagos, presided over by the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Oyetola stressed the crucial importance of treating maritime workers with dignity and providing them with optimal conditions to excel, given the sector’s significant contribution to job creation and Nigeria’s GDP growth.
He urged all parties to uphold the agreement and collaborate towards fostering a positive work environment, promoting productivity and economic growth.
This agreement sets a new standard for the shipping industry, prioritizing workers’ welfare and dignity.
The agreement’s implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the sector, enhancing conditions for workers and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on labour unions to remain vigilant in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring adherence to the new minimum standards in the shipping industry.
He assured that the government will continue to provide oversight and support for ongoing improvements, prioritizing workers’ welfare and dignity. Mrs Boma Alabi, President of SACFEA, hailed the new minimum wage for shipping industry workers as a landmark achievement, noting that it has set a new record as the highest in any industry nationwide.
She emphasized that while the national minimum wage stands at N70,000, shipping employers have voluntarily agreed to a minimum wage of N200,000, a significant increase of nearly three times the national standard.
This demonstrates the industry’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and promoting economic growth.
Alabi shared insights into the negotiation process, explaining that workers initially requested a minimum wage of N160,000.
However, employers took a proactive step, offering N200,000 to acknowledge the current economic climate and ensure mutual satisfaction among all parties.
This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the industry’s commitment to adapting to economic realities.
Alabi expressed confidence that the new agreement will significantly boost the nation’s blue economy by establishing uniform standards and enhancing productivity.
This development is poised to have a positive impact on the industry, fostering growth and development.
MWUN President-General Adewale Adeyanju ensured that the agreement includes a biennial review of the N200,000 minimum wage to guarantee fairness and alignment with economic realities.
This proactive measure ensures that the minimum wage remains competitive and reflective of the industry’s growth and challenges.
