Stevedoring companies to ensure peaceful co- existence between terminal operators, union & government agencies - NASC

Tayo Oladipupo

The Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Companies (NASC) has said it would work in ensuring peaceful co- existences between the terminal operators, union and government agencies.

President of the association, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola made this known during the verification exercise of dockworkers in Lagos last week.

The body according to Sunmola, will make its stance known over the recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) among the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), terminal operators and the government.

The stevedoring contractors had reportedly lamented that they were not carried along in the arrangement noting that it could spark another round of disagreement between the contractors and the concessionaires.

Stevedores are not satisfied with the agreement as it may have a negative effect on their services in the port.

Sunmola whilst reacting to the tripartite arrangement noted that the signed CBA needed the input of stevedoring companies.

He maintained that the contractors are yet to see the documents but would take a position at the appropriate time in ensuring peace in the industry.

Asked if satisfied with the new agreement, the stevedore President noted, “We are still looking at it, the documents are signed but we have not seen them; you will see our official comments regarding that aspect.

“Give us few days, maximum of two weeks and you will get our response about that.

“Stevedoring companies cannot be pushed away, they cannot be neglected otherwise we will have chaos in the system,” he said.

The President also lauded efforts of dockworkers for being patient enough despite delay in their severance after three years of their disengagement from service.

According to him, signing of the CBA by parties involved is for the benefit of the maritime industry.