MWUN seeks resolution of NPA, INTELS rift to save 11,000 jobs

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to resolve misunderstanding between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and INTELS Nigeria Limited that led to the cancellation of INTELS agency agreement contract.

President-General of the MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, said in a statement that INTELS has 5,000 direct and 6,000 indirect workers on its payroll and that if issues were not resolved, the workers risk losing their jobs the line.

The union, which expressed concerns that the 11, 000 jobs would be lost following NPA’s termination of vessel pilotage contract with INTELS, noted that ending the rift would calm the restiveness in the maritime sector.

Adeyanju said the cancellation of the contract would send wrong signals to the international community, as it would discourage investors.

“We want to advice that the Federal Government should avoid anything that will send wrong signals to investors that Nigeria’s environment was not conducive for business.

“Most of these employees are Nigerians with families and responsibilities. We are, therefore, worried that if the issue is not resolved amicably, their jobs could be on line.

“The socio-economic implications of most of them losing their jobs in a volatile state like Rivers can be better imagined that experienced.

“Our concern is the job security and welfare of our members in INTELS.

“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Government through the NPA to discuss with INTELS with a view to resolving the issues that led to the cancellation of the contract,” he added.