NLC CHIEFTAIN, COMRADE ADEYANJU CELEBRATES SEAFARERS, CALLS FOR URGENT PAYMENT OF AGED SEAFARERS

BY ADERONKE FAKEYE
(08053912959)

The Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade ( Prince ) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju has sent congratulatory message to all Seafarers on the occasion of the Seafarers day 2026. Recognizing the day as a date set aside annually for the celebration of Seafarers which is every June 25, the erstwhile President -General of the Maritme Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) says
“This year’s Seafarers day is a turbulent one, given the crisis in the middle east and the west, resulting to the closure of Strait of Hormuz”, he said.

Continuing, Adeyanju say, “The theme for this year’s day is “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks”, which depicts the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, making sailing difficult and dangerous for Seafarers across the globe”, He said .

“This year, the International Maritme Organization (IMO) highlighted the challenges faced by Mariners, who navigated through regions affected by international conflicts and insecurity, which of course isn’t convenient for Seafaring.
Every year , the Seafarers day is usually globally observed on the 25th of June; an annual Seafarers ritual, which of course is to celebrate Seafarers in Nigeria and across the world.
It gives the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the essential roles of Seafarers in global trade and and risks Seafarers bear in sustaining their profession.

No doubt, Seafarers job is essential to the functioning of the global economy and the daily lives of people across the world.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) President, Comrade Adeyanju did not mince words when he repeatedly said that the troubles with Seafaring and Seafarers this year 2026 has been seriously greeted with dangers of conflicts here and there, which has not been favourable with Seafarers and their occupation, particularly in the middle east and the West as it were.

The Oyo Prince, however praised the commitment , dedication and rare diligence to call of duty and the courage to Carrying on in the face of stiring trouble waters of the middle east.

He expressed his displeasure over the continued delay of the Aged Seafarers Retirees pensions and backlog of remuneration; long after a concluded verification exercise was concluded. The exercise was held at the NPA quarters in Bode Thomas almost four years running under the leadership of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju as the President -General, Maritme Workers’ Union of Nigeria. Since this period, nothing positive has happened to the dying aged retirees.

The ITF boss further said that most of the Aged Seafarers had since passed on, some have been seriously sick without proper medication, while majority are incapacitated. He hereby appeal to the federal government of Nigeria to please give honour to whom it’s due to alleviate the sufferings of these retirees, whose live have become miserable as a result of abject poverty.

He express his gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his foresight in the development of the Maritme sector, especially in the transformation of the nation’s seaports; using the Seafarers Day as a platform in appealing to the quintessential Minister to see to the return of “On Board Gangway Men” in the vessels as this will definitely put a stop to pilfering in vessels and would help to check economic sabotage in vessels too. He also advocated that the Onboard Gangway Men are the “eagle eyes” on board berthed vessels at the Qay Aprons of the Seaports.

He congratulated Nigerian Seafarers and also made case for the Nigerian Maritime Academy, Oron, which he described as a vehicle without engine. Each year Marine graduates are turned out with no proper certification and no vessels to board.
He tasks NIMASA in this regard to make sure that graduants from Oron are properly certificated for their usefulness to the sector.
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He also praised his successor, the current President -General of the Maritme Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi for wearing his shoes well. Comrade Adeyanju says there could not have been a better successor other than Comrade Bunu, whose heart runs with the mixture of milk, love and kindness.

He said if he has a second opportunity in MWUN, Comrade Bunu will always be his main man and a proven successor of all time as there’s no regrets installing him my successor.

Comrade Adeyanju thanked all Maritme employers and practitioners to keep the flag flying irrespective of the challenges they are facing so far, saying that the sky is the limit for all of them.
I say “Ahoy” to you all on this day.