MAJAN ROUNDTABLE: Prince Adeyanju Receives Maritime Labour Icon Award
••Develop Warri, Calabar Ports, Adeyanju Tells Incoming government.
•••Says-Ministry of Maritime not the solution
By Silas Onuoha
The President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Prince Adewale Adeyanju, yesterday May 25, 2023, received the prestigious Maritime Labour Icon Award, during a roundtable organized by the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN).
The Award was bestowed on him for his exemplary leadership and remarkable performance, as the President-General of MWUN.
Speaking during the special occasion, the President of MAJAN, Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, described Comrade Adeyanju as a reputable Maritime Labour Icon, who through hard work and resilience liberated Maritime Workers, especially dockworkers from oppression by their employers in the industry
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MAJAN President Comrade Ray Ugochukwu
In his remarks, Comrade Adeyanju, who also doubles as the Deputy National President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), acknowledged the proactiveness of Maritime Journalists in reporting activities of the sector.
Responding to questions on issues in the maritime industry, Adeyanju called on the incoming government to develop Warri and Calabar ports.
This, he said, becomes important to enhance greater productivity in the sector.
His assertions : “We have made our position known. The incoming government should focus on Warri, Calabar and other ports, instead of focusing only on Lagos ports, when other ports can be developed to boost growth in the industry.
“Government should put the ports access roads in good shape like what obtains in other countries.
“For instance, the access road to TinCan Island Port has been taken over by artisans, food vendors cooking on the roads and other commercial activities taking place there. If you go to TinCan port in the evening, you will even see pupils in their uniforms playing on the major road. This is not the only place. The road leading to Onne Port is nothing to reckon with. We are hopeful that the new administration will address these issues”.
More so, Comrade Adeyanju explained that creating a separate ministry for maritime is not the solution to problems militating against the growth of the sector.
“We need efficiency in the system and not creating another ministry within a ministry. Government should put the right people in management positions, in order to increase productivity and achieve efficiency in the industry.” Adeyanju advised.
