Maritime workers have issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide strike should the Federal Government proceed with its plan to implement a 50 per cent automatic deduction from revenue generated by the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The warning came in a joint statement issued by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Lagos.
In the statement signed by SSASCGOC President Mr. Akinola Bodunde and MWUN President General Mr. Adewale Adeyanju, the unions revealed they had written a letter to the President expressing their grave concerns about the proposed deduction.
“We recommend that 30 per cent of the revenue internally generated by the Authority could be automatically deducted while 70 per cent is left for the Authority to accomplish its overhead costs and statutory responsibilities, failure of which the Union would have no other option than to withdraw the services of its members from all Ports formations nationwide,” the statement read.
Mr. Bodunde emphasized the severe ramifications such a deduction would have on the operational capabilities of the NPA.
He stated, “The reduction in revenue could jeopardize crucial maritime operations such as dredging port channels and maintaining infrastructure, ultimately affecting vessel traffic and port activities.”
Mr. Adeyanju echoed concerns about the impact of the proposed deduction on the workforce and host communities. “We worry over the NPA’s ability to meet its obligations to host communities, saying that could be compromised, potentially leading to unrest and social upheaval,” he expressed.
Both union leaders called for revisions to the directive to allow for a more reasonable deduction from internally generated revenue.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining operational efficiency and fulfilling commitments to employees and host communities to prevent disruptions in maritime operations.
