Workers to shut down ports over unresolved issues with govt, IOCs

Trucks must be called upon using the Eto electronic call-up system before it could gain access into the ports.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has given its backing to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to shut down the nation’s seaports over unresolved issues with the International Oil Companies (IOCs), shipping companies, and government agencies.

Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, who gave the support at the weekend in Lagos when he visited MWUN, asked the union to write the ministries of Labour and Transportation and to issue a two-week ultimatum asking them to address the identified issues.

Ajaero said the failure of the government and other concerned parties to act will lead to shutting down the nation’s seaports.

Pointing out that NLC together with the union will set up a picketing committee that will cripple the operations of employers that fail to adhere to the law, he said the union has been patient enough having waited for almost two years.

“The regulators cannot be seen violating the law. Write to them and shut the ports for refusing to resolve the lingering issues and let the ministries do their work. We are ready to give you a solidarity action until the agreement is obeyed,” he added.