The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) last Friday celebrated its 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference by recognizing the contributions of about 400 individuals and corporate organizations to the maritime sector.
The event, held in Festac Town, Lagos, brought together a large gathering of union members and key industry stakeholders.
Among those honoured were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntoba; Chief of Staff to the Minister, Dr. Charles Akinola; and a Special Adviser to the Minister, Mr. Charles Okaga.
Also recognized were prominent figures in the industry, including the Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori Vicky Haastrup; Managing Director of PTML Terminal, Mr. Ascanio Russo; Managing Director of TinCan Island Container Terminal (TICT), Mr. Etienne Rocher; Chairman of Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah; Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi; and Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
Labour leaders were also recognized, including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, his predecessor, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, and former Presidents-General of MWUN—Comrade Uzoije Ukaumunna, Comrade Onikolaese Irabor, and Comrade Tony Nted.
A special recognition award was presented to Dr. Bolaji Akinola, CEO of Ships & Ports Communication Company, for his significant contributions to maritime media and public relations, as well as his role in promoting the development of MWUN and the industry at large.
More than 100 MWUN members in various leadership positions were also celebrated for their service to the union.
Among the 36 corporate organizations that received the union’s corporate awards were APM Terminals Apapa, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) Onne, PTML, TICT, Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and ENL Consortium.
The awards recognized their contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and their support for workers’ welfare.
Additionally, some former chief executives of maritime agencies, including Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, and Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, were also honoured for their past leadership roles and impact on the industry.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the outgoing President-General of MWUN, led the award presentations as one of his final acts in office.
Adeyanju, who has been instrumental in strengthening the union’s structure and influence, commended the honourees for their unwavering support and dedication to the maritime industry. “We have come a long way as a union, and today is a moment of pride for all of us,” Adeyanju said. “The individuals and organizations we are recognizing today have played key roles in shaping the growth and stability of the maritime sector. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, and for that, we are grateful.”
During his tenure, Adeyanju was known for advocating workers’ rights, securing improved welfare conditions, and fostering collaboration between the union and industry stakeholders.
His leadership helped maintain industrial harmony in the sector, making MWUN a respected voice in national labour discussions.
As part of the conference activities, the union also launched a historical book titled “History of MWUN, 1996-2024”.
The book, which chronicles the evolution of the union over nearly three decades, was reviewed by Comrade Ivor Takur, a former National Treasurer of the NLC and past Chairman of the MWUN Caretaker Committee.
The publication serves as a testament to the union’s struggles, achievements, and contributions to Nigeria’s labour movement and maritime industry.
The conference culminated in the election of new national executives for the union. Comrade Francis Bunu, formerly Deputy President General, was unanimously elected as the new President-General, running unopposed.
Comrades Funmi Fasan, Taofeek Dahiru, and Abubakar Bello were elected as Deputy President-Generals, while Comrades Boniface Udoh, Martina Njoku, Ibrahim Ohize, and Ganiu Dosunmu assumed the roles of Vice President-Generals.
Robert Eze was elected as the National Auditor, with Obidoma David and Raji Abdulateef serving as National Trustees. Mukhaila Lawal took on the role of Treasurer.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju made history as the pioneer Chairman of the union’s Board of Trustees.
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