Port users in Lagos, particularly at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and other ports, are experiencing disruptions and a suspension of commercial activities due to the strike initiated by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Tuesday.
This strike aligns with the nationwide strike declaration by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
As a consequence, the gates of the Nigerian Ports Authority remained closed, leading to patrons waiting outside the Lagos port. A significant presence of police officers was noted around the port.
The MWUN had issued a warning in a press release on Monday, announcing the commencement of a nationwide strike at midnight on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.
According to Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the union’s communications officer, the strike is in response to the NLC’s directive following the NEC meeting on November 13, 2023.
This decision was made jointly by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during their meeting in Abuja.
The strike is a response to various issues, including violations of workers’ rights, incidents of kidnapping and assault against union officials, non-implementation of agreements by the government, non-payment of arrears on salaries and pensions, discriminatory salary payments, and non-compliance with the national minimum wage.
Ikemefuna emphasized that as an NLC affiliate, the MWUN is fully prepared to participate in the nationwide strike in accordance with the directives of the NLC.
The strike is intended to draw attention to the grievances and advocate for workers’ rights and fair treatment.