The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed serious concerns regarding the nonpayment of nine months of salaries owed to its members employed by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). The union is calling for immediate federal government intervention to ensure that the salary arrears are paid without further delay, warning that failure to do so may lead to an industrial crisis.
In a statement issued by Deputy Secretary General Oniha Erazua on behalf of Secretary General Felix Akingboye, the union highlighted the extensive efforts made to resolve the issue amicably, including issuing multiple ultimatums that were ignored by the Acting Registrar of CRFFN. Erazua stated, “MWUN wishes to bring to the notice of the general public the continued nonpayment of nine months of salaries owed to our members by the management of CRFFN.”
The union expressed disappointment over CRFFN’s disregard for resolutions reached in several mediatory meetings, particularly one held on September 18, 2024. Erazua criticized CRFFN’s management for neglecting to prioritize salary payments, even as they organized training for select staff amidst the salary backlog.
“This conduct is inimical to the well-being and welfare of our members while trampling on their rights to the gainful enjoyment of their earned salaries. MWUN can no longer stand idle and watch the impunity being displayed by CRFFN,” Erazua stated.
The union’s leadership has indicated that if the situation does not improve, they may resort to measures that could disrupt operations at the nation’s ports, further escalating the matter into a significant industrial dispute.