The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commissioning of MT IYALOJA, a cutting-edge vessel designed to transform Nigeria’s maritime operations and strengthen energy security.

In a statement, MWUN Secretary General Erazua Oniha praised the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the maritime sector and unlocking its economic potential. The union noted that the commissioning marks a significant step toward making Nigeria a major maritime hub in West Africa.

MWUN President General, Francis Bunu, described the launch as a landmark achievement that aligns with the government’s strategic vision to boost maritime infrastructure and capacity. He revealed that the union is proposing a collaborative partnership with the government to empower Nigerian seafarers and improve their welfare.

The union urged the government to prioritize employing qualified Nigerian seafarers on MT IYALOJA and other vessels operating in Nigerian waters. It also called for joint efforts with relevant agencies to establish and fund advanced training programs that will enhance seafarers’ skills to international standards, improving their global competitiveness.

Improving working conditions, fair remuneration, and social security for maritime workers were also highlighted as key areas for reform. MWUN stressed that these measures are critical for the well-being of seafarers and for ensuring industrial harmony.

“These collaborative efforts will not only secure a prosperous future for Nigerian seafarers but also drive sustainable growth within the maritime sector,” Bunu stated, reaffirming MWUN’s readiness to support the initiative with technical expertise.

The commissioning of MT IYALOJA stands as a major milestone in Nigeria’s maritime history, and with MWUN’s proposed partnership, it could serve as a catalyst for industry growth and socioeconomic advancement.