MWUN vacates strike threat issued to shipping companies

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has suspended the strike action notice issued to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministries of Transportation, and Works and Housing to call to order some Shipping Companies allegedly responsible for the perennial gridlock that has bedevilled the Oshodi-Apapa Express way over the years.

Recall that MWUN issued a 21 -day ultimatum  to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministries of Transportation, and Works and Housing to call to order  the Shipping Companies allegedly responsible for the perennial gridlock  on Lagos ports access roads.

However,in a press statement issued by the President- General of MWUN, Com Adewale Adeyanju, he informed that following a cordial and fruitful meeting with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Controller of Works Lagos, and representatives of the accused  shipping companies,  solutions were proffered to the intractable gridlock on the Apapa Oshodi Expressway.

He however noted that there is need to expand same to include the representation of some key stakeholders like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the Terminal Operators.

Consequently, the meeting was adjourned and the Controller of Works & Housing, Engineer A.O. Oye gave assurance of the presence of the representatives of the above-mentioned organisations/Agencies at the next meeting which shall come up not later than the middle of December, 2020.

The Union said it has,  in consideration of the foregoing, suspended the 21- day strike notice issued to the Government.

“We are delighted to say that on Wednesday, 11th November, 2020, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing represented by Engineer A.O. Oye, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos met with the Union and the representatives of the accused  shipping companies at its Tafawa Balewa, Lagos office to discuss and proffer solution(s) to the intractable gridlock on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

“The meeting was cordial and fruitful but we noted the need to expand same to include the representation of some key stake holders like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) and the Terminal Operators.

“Consequently, the meeting was adjourned and the Controller of Works & Housing, Engineer A.O. Oye gave assurance of the presence of the representatives of the above-mentioned organisations/Agencies at the next meeting which shall come up not later than the middle of December, 2020.

“The Union has, in consideration of the foregoing, suspended the 21- day notice issued to the Government”