The race for the position of President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) is gaining momentum, with two contenders, Comrade Uche Igwe Onu and Comrade Francis Bunu, actively seeking support from union members.
Following the lifting of the campaign ban on January 6, 2024, MWUN announced that electioneering activities would continue until March 25, 2024. As a result, both candidates have intensified their campaigns, with Comrade Bunu garnering numerous endorsements, while Comrade Onu is focusing on securing delegate support.
Onu, currently the National Treasurer of MWUN, has announced his intention to officially obtain his nomination form.
While speaking exclusively with SHIPS & PORTS, he stated that a major motivation for his candidacy is addressing gaps in the union’s operations and advocating for workers’ rights, particularly in tackling the outsourcing of jobs.
He criticised the growing trend of outsourcing permanent roles—such as security personnel, drivers, and accountants—to third-party contractors, which he argues undermines job security, career growth, and fair wages.
“If outsourcing cannot be stopped, then workers must benefit from it,” Onu asserted. “Employers are exploiting Nigerian workers by paying outsourced staff significantly less than their counterparts. It is our duty to checkmate this practice and ensure fair wages.”
Onu also highlighted the need for economic reforms within the union, emphasising that membership depletion has affected MWUN’s financial stability.
He proposed commercialising certain union activities to generate revenue, a vision he has championed for over a decade.
Addressing the challenges of the campaign, Onu acknowledged the political maneuvering within the union but expressed confidence that workers would ultimately elect a candidate committed to their welfare.
He emphasised his leadership experience, having served in various capacities, including Unit Chairman, District Officer for NEC, Trustee at the Branch level, and Branch President.
“My track record speaks for itself,” he told SHIPS & PORTS. “I have demonstrated capacity and integrity, and I believe the workers will choose the right leader.”
Rather than focusing on large-scale rallies or social media campaigns, Onu said his strategy is to engage directly with delegates, persuading them with his vision for MWUN’s future.
He assured union members that, if elected, he would prioritise job security, improved worker welfare, and economic growth for the union.
He also outlined plans to support seafarers who graduate from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, proposing initiatives to provide them with sea-time experience, training programs, and employment opportunities.
Additionally, he suggested investing in secure transportation solutions, such as union-operated ferries, to benefit maritime workers.
Meanwhile, MWUN’s National Secretary, Comrade Oniha Erazua, confirmed that as of Wednesday, neither candidate had officially obtained nomination forms.
He suggested that they may be assessing their electoral prospects before proceeding.
Erazua emphasised that MWUN upholds a tradition of free and fair elections, warning against defamatory campaigns and offensive posters.
He also reiterated that the election process is transparent and neutral, with the union’s leadership committed to safeguarding its integrity.
The MWUN election is scheduled to take place on March 28, 2024, in Lagos, and the nomination process remains open.
The union has assured members that no fees will be required for election participation, as MWUN is not a political entity.
“As a union, we do not endorse any candidate. The outcome will be determined by the electorate,” Erazua affirmed.
