Customs Pledges To Address Workers’ Concerns
By Asuquo Nuwak
Customs Pledges To Address Workers’ Concerns
The Nigeria Customs Service has taken bold step to address concerns identified by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), during a meeting held at the Union’s Headquarters in Ijora on Thursday, 27 February 2025.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, reassured the union of swift intervention.
In his presentation, Comptroller Olomu, told maritime workers that the CGC sees himself as one of the workers, and he has asked him to convey his heartfelt concern and commitment to the workers’ welfare.
However, he assured workers that all issues raised in recent days have been identified and will be resolved. Beside stressing the significance of maritime workers, he said when maritime workers sneeze, it is not just the port that catches cold, but the entire nation.
He recalled that last year, they generated N6.1 trillion, and without these workers, they could not have achieved this result.
Comptroller Olomu called on the union to prioritise national interest and reconsider any plans to withdraw their services, while assuring workers that engagements are ongoing at a strategic level, to address all concerns in the shortest possible time.
In response, MWUN President General, Adewale Adeyanju, who welcomed the engagement, describing it as a strong acknowledgment of maritime workers’ contributions.
Adeyanju stated that maritime workers are not strike mongers and are always willing to follow due process, while creating awareness. He called on the government to look into their concerns.
Comrade Adeyanju further said, for the CGC to send representative to maritime workers, it shows his commitment, and maritme workers will continue to respect him as one of the best, being appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
Adeyanju, who described the CGC as a grassroot leader deeply connected to the system, also expressed readiness for continued collaboration with customs.
At the end of the meeting, award was presented to mark a step towards strengthened ties between customs and maritime workers.
Moreover, he recalled that the union had on 24 February 2025, threatened to shut down port operations, due to incessant harassment, bullying, and the imposition of unregulated, outrageous penalty charges on truck drivers operating along the Apapa and Tincan ports access roads.
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