The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned it will shut down the country’s seaports if the government does not address longstanding challenges in the sector. NLC President Joseph Ajaero made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists in Apapa during a courtesy visit to Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) President Adewale Adeyanju.
Ajaero urged Adeyanju to give the federal government a two‑week ultimatum to review workers’ salaries and resolve other sectoral issues. He said the government must clarify who is responsible for reviewing the port concession agreements and emphasized that no one could blame MWUN for losing patience after two years of waiting. “You wrote to the Minister of Transportation in August 2021; 2022 passed, and now we are approaching August 2023. If possible, give them a two‑week ultimatum from today. They will call us if not. The central position of maritime in Nigeria—and even Africa—means no one will ignore the concerns of our workers,” Ajaero said.
He added that labour has been writing on this issue since 2021 and that, as NLC president, he has no sympathy for anyone who neglects workers’ interests. “MWUN president, the decision is yours. When you decide, send them a letter and shut the seaports in the country,” he declared, charging the ministries of Transportation and Labour to fulfill their duties. “If they do not act, the NLC will join you. We will give you a solidarity action,” he warned.
In response, MWUN President Adeyanju confirmed that the union would issue a two‑week ultimatum to the Minister of Transportation, demanding an explanation of who regulates terminal operators. “If nothing is done, we will shut down port operations. Thank you for giving us the ultimatum. I confirm it will start on Monday, 6 March 2023. If the government fails to respond, we will shut down the port,” he said.
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