The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has strongly criticized what it called the appalling living and working conditions endured by seafarers aboard three vessels—MT Bawarza, Battle Axe, and MT Spain—operated by Ship & Shore Services Ltd in Lagos.
Following reports received from crew members, the union described the situation as “dehumanizing” and vowed to take decisive action against the company.
According to MWUN President-General Comrade Adewale Bunu, the vessels are in blatant violation of safety and welfare standards, subjecting seafarers to unhygienic environments, substandard health facilities, and unsafe working conditions.
“No employer in the maritime sector has the right to operate with such impunity,” Bunu stated. “What our members are experiencing aboard these vessels is a total disregard for human dignity, health, and internationally accepted maritime standards.”
He further condemned the exposure of crew members to infectious and communicable diseases due to poor sanitary conditions, emphasizing that such negligence puts both individual health and operational efficiency at risk.
Bunu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting the rights of its members, stating that every seafarer deserves a workplace that adheres to basic safety, health, and humane living standards. He confirmed that the union has escalated the matter to the relevant government authorities for urgent intervention.
“The union will not allow this gross negligence to be swept under the rug,” Bunu concluded. “We are pursuing this case until justice is served and conditions are improved.”
