Maritime Workers Union Congratulates President Tinubu on Commissioning of State-of-the-art Vessel MT IYALOJA

August 20, 2025097

By Barnabas Esiet.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has extended its congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the successful commissioning of the MT IYALOJA, a state-of-the-art vessel that promises to enhance the country’s maritime operations and energy security.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Erazua Oniha, the National Executive Council and entire membership of MWUN praised the President’s administration for its commitment to revitalizing the nation’s maritime industry and harnessing the potential of the economy.

The President General of MWUN, Francis Bunu, noted that the introduction of the MT IYALOJA is a significant milestone that will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime hub in the West African sub-region.

Beyond the congratulatory message, the MWUN has proposed a collaboration with the government to empower and improve the welfare of Nigerian seafarers. The proposed collaboration focuses on three key areas:

1. Local Content and Employment: Ensuring that qualified and competent Nigerian seafarers are given priority for employment on the MT IYALOJA and other vessels operating in Nigerian territorial waters.

2. Training and Capacity Building: Partnering with relevant government agencies to establish and fund advanced training programs for Nigerian seafarers to meet international standards.

3. Welfare and Social Protection: Improving the working conditions, remuneration, and social security of Nigerian seafarers.

The MWUN believes that a collaborative effort will not only secure the future of Nigerian seafarers but also foster industrial harmony and sustainable growth within the maritime sector.

The President General restated the Union’s readiness to provide the necessary support and expertise to make this partnership a success.

The commissioning of the MT IYALOJA marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s maritime history, and the MWUN’s proposal for collaboration is a timely initiative that could further boost the industry’s growth and development.