Maritime
You are Nigeria’s Strength- ANLCA tells Maritime Workers
…As Stakeholders celebrate International Labour Day***
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs (ANLCA) has described the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) as the nation’s pillar of strength in the battle to keep the ports running despite the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ANLCA President, Tony Iju Nwabunike stated this in a statement he made on the occasion of the International Labour Day, describing the Maritime workers as the vital human element to Nigeria’s economic life.
“You are a vital human element to our national economic life. There is dignity in what you are doing for us, we know it even though we don’t say it out every day”, the ANLCA Boss stated, describing its selflessness as unparalleled, and assuring MWUN of unflinching support and continuous partnership.
“Indeed your acts of selflessness are second to none and has not gone unnoticed as we reminisce on the benefits of your labour to our common good
“We have on record, the many interventions you have made to suggest ideas and policies redirection for government, in many instances without promoting Industrial disharmony.
“We celebrate your contributions because, without you, our desires for greater economy, flourishing commerce, improved social life would have remained a mirage.
“We celebrate the Nigerian maritime worker sincerely because we owe them more than they are paid and we know that without them, a maritime nation, like ours, will never be existing let alone grow.
“We in the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA) sees the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and other workers as our formidable partners.
“We remember your efforts not only at protecting workers rights but also at championing the interest of the majority of Nigerians.
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“ANLCA’s partnership with you and the entire labour movements in the maritime industry will remain evergreen putting the interest of majority first and being truthful, fair and dedicated
“You are our strength, you are our workforce, you are our persons on the frontlines of keeping the ports working even in the face of Covid19 pandemic that has affected everywhere, including the maritime world”, Iju Tony Nwabunike stated further as he hailed both the leadership and the members on the occasion of the International Workers Day.
…Says a vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, while commending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.
Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, MWUN President General, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.
“We now have peace on our waters, which is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.
Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.
Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa,” he asserted.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.
“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space,” Bunu stated.
Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.
“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth,” he pledged.
As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.
“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce,” he said.
… Even though it was within the Gulf of Guinea
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has stressed that the piracy incident that occurred in the Gulf of Guinea on Friday, 30th May 2025, occurred outside Nigerian waters.
The Agency made the clarification in a statement issued by its Image maker and Head of of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, highlighting the incident’s coordinates as 2°37’35” N, 6°46’47” E, which was approximately, 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe; and approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast, Nigeria.
“On May 30, 2025, at approximately 1614 UTC, the C4i Operational Centre of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received a distress alert via the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), reporting a suspected pirate attack on a commercial vessel.
“Preliminary investigations have confirmed the affected vessel to be the MV ORAGE FROST, a general cargo ship bearing IMO Number 9797656, and flying the flag of Curaçao.
“The incident occurred at coordinates 2°37’35” N, 6°46’47” E, approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe, approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast Nigeria”, NIMASA stated.
The agency maintained that, at the time of the incident, MV ORAGE FROST had recently completed loading operations in Douala, Cameroon, and was en route to Matadi, Congo, having regularly operated between ports in Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, and Benin.
“NIMASA is actively coordinating with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew and to support ongoing investigations into the incident”, the agency stated further, adding:
“We remain committed to regional maritime security cooperation to enhance safety and deter criminal activity in Nigerian waters and indeed the Gulf of Guinea, leveraging on the Deep Blue Project”.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has commiserated with bereaved families of persons who died in the Mokwa flood disaster.
Opeifa stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Mai Gari of Mokwa, (Ndalile Mokwa), Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu-Shaba, after assessing the devastation to the rail tracks by the flood.
He expressed condolences to the Mokwa people, Bida emirate and the entire state at large over the devastating flood resulting in loss of many lives and extensive destruction to properties.
“I wish to, on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, the entire staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Mokwa, and families affected by the recent flood disaster.
“It is indeed heartbreaking to all and sundry that the tragic incident has brought serious sorrow and pain to the Mokwa community”, the managing director stated.
Opeifa also expressed his deepest appreciation to Ndalile and members of his community for ensuring robust security around the NRC tracks.
He said that the Federal Government was seriously concerned about the extent of devastation to the community.
The NRC managing director said that an assessment had already been carried out, especially on the damaged rail tracks.
Opeifa also pledged that the government would leave no stone unturned to expeditiously repair the damaged rail tracks.
He further prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed rest and strengthen those who lost loved ones or property in the incident
In his response, the Ndalile of Mokwa, Aliyu-Shaba, regretted the flood disaster in his community, describing it as “an act already ordained by Allah”.
He described Mokwa as “Mini Nigeria”, adding that all tribes of the country were found in the community cohabiting and living in peace and harmony.
He appealed to the Federal Government and all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the assistance of the town and support the relief efforts.
According to him, the community has never experienced such a catastrophe in its history of existence.
Aliyu-Shaba, however, said that the community has strong resolve and would continue to collaborate with the government towards rebuilding infrastructure and developing the town.
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