BY ADAKU WALTER
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the shipping arm of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Shipping Management Limited (NSML) have reaffirmed commitment to better the lot of seafarers in line with improved welfare packages and manpower development programmes.
The two institutions made this known during the signing off ceremony for ratings scheme as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in Lagos.
Human Resources Manager of NSML, Henry Agbodjan, said this would empower the seafarers, especially as the management was determined to build capacity for the ratings, noting that management has concluded plans for improving the standard of seafarers training.
“Today we had a really good interaction with executives of MWUN and NIMASA representative too. Today, we had discussions on improved welfare for our ratings and training for the ratings in order to add value on the shipping department of our organisation,” he said.
Agbodjan also stressed management’s commitment to continue the vaccination of seafarers onboard NLNG vessels, noting that those who are yet to get the COVID-19 vaccination due to some reasons, would be paramount against the backdrop of the just concluded interaction.
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He added that some of the training programme designed to hold was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but reassured that the manpower development programme for ratings would commence again soon.
He, however, commended the management of MWUN for their cordial and robust engagement with the NSML over the years, saying NSML would continue to provide the best way towards empowering employees.
On his part, President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, also expressed satisfaction over NSML’s commitment to members’ empowerment of the union aboard NLNG vessels, noting that capacity building for ratings and seafarers was paramount for sustainability of the shipping industry.
According to him, NSML is the best employers of labour in the shipping industry, noting that the union will continue to support the organisation for training of seafarers.
Adeyanju also stressed the need for the ratings’ promotion as and when due, adding that trainings lead to promotion of workers and better productivity and urged manning agents and shipping lines to emulate the standard set aside by management of NSML.
