NLC Deputy President Adeyanju Celebrates Seafarers, Demands Urgent Payment of Retirees
NLC Deputy President Adeyanju Celebrates Seafarers, Demands Urgent Payment of Retirees
The Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, has celebrated Nigerian and global seafarers on the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer 2026, while calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the plight of aged seafarers whose pensions remain unpaid.
Speaking on the annual commemoration, Adeyanju—erstwhile President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and current President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)—acknowledged the courage and resilience of seafarers who continue to sustain global trade despite mounting risks.
This year’s theme, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying The Risks”, reflects the dangers faced by mariners navigating conflict zones, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed due to ongoing crises in the Middle East and the West. Adeyanju noted that 2026 has been “seriously greeted with dangers of conflicts here and there,” making seafaring more hazardous than ever.
Adeyanju expressed anger over the continued delay in pension payments for aged seafarers, despite a verification exercise conducted nearly four years ago under his MWUN leadership. He lamented that many retirees have since died, while others suffer illness and poverty. He urged the government to “give honour to whom it’s due” and alleviate their suffering.
The ITF boss also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for port transformation initiatives. He advocated for the return of Onboard Gangway Men to vessels, describing them as “eagle eyes” against pilfering and economic sabotage. He criticized the state of the Maritime Academy, Oron, calling it “a vehicle without an engine” and urging NIMASA to ensure graduates are properly certificated and absorbed into the industry.
Adeyanju congratulated Nigerian seafarers for their dedication, describing their work as essential to the global economy. He also praised his successor, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, for leading MWUN with compassion and diligence, saying, “There could not have been a better successor.”
He concluded with a rallying message: “Ahoy to all seafarers on this day—carrying the world’s trade, and bearing its risks.”
