Comrade Francis Bunu has been elected and sworn in as the new President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference, which took place in Festac Town, Lagos, on Friday.
Bunu, who was elected unopposed, takes over from Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who successfully led the union for eight years.
Before his election, Bunu served as the Deputy President-General of MWUN and is a member of the Seafarers Branch of the union.
His emergence marks a historic moment, as this is the first time in MWUN’s 29-year history that the Seafarers Branch is producing a President-General.
The conference was attended by key stakeholders in the maritime industry, including high-ranking government officials and labour leaders.
Among those present were the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, who represented the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola; the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero; the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and a representative of the Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori Vicky Haastrup, among many others.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing President-General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, reflected on the progress made under his leadership and highlighted some of the union’s achievements over the past eight years.
He noted that the union had successfully improved the welfare of maritime workers by securing better salaries and workplace conditions. Industrial harmony was strengthened within the sector, leading to fewer labour disputes and strikes.
The union also made significant strides in negotiating with employers and government agencies, ensuring improved working conditions for members.
Training and capacity-building programs were expanded to help workers enhance their skills and career growth, while MWUN’s engagement with industry stakeholders increased, giving the union a stronger voice in policy discussions affecting the maritime sector.
Shortly after taking the oath of office, Comrade Francis Bunu expressed gratitude to the delegates for their confidence in him and promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
He pledged to prioritize workers’ welfare by advocating for better employment conditions and benefits.
He also emphasized the need to promote stability and growth in the maritime industry while ensuring unity and harmony within the union.
Bunu called on all members to work together in moving MWUN forward and strengthening its impact in the sector.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the presentation of awards to about 350 individuals, including stakeholders and union members, in recognition of their contributions to the maritime industry and the labour movement.
Some of the notable recipients included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and the STOAN Chairman, Olori Vicky Haastrup.
With the election of Comrade Francis Bunu as President-General, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria enters a new phase of leadership, focused on further advancing the interests of maritime workers and fostering greater collaboration within the industry.
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