Union Asks FG To Extend Palliatives To Seafarers Irrespective Of Nationality

The Nigeria Merchant Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has appealed to the federal and state governments to look inward and extend palliatives to seafarers operating on the nation’s territorial and inland waters irrespective of their nationality.

The seafaring union also expressed worries over the abandonment of seafarers due the delay in crew change in the face of the novel coronavirus.

National President of the Trade Union Affiliate body ,Marine Chief Engr. Bob Yousuo, in a statement made available in Lagos, noted that the lockdown order by the Nigerian President failed to yield the desired results in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic saying any form of extension could create more risk to stranded seafarers.

Yousou pointed out that more than 90‰ of the world economy lies in the hands of seafarers . “As we speak, this group of people needs the attention of the global and national authorities to ameliorate the sufferings and challenges they pass through as a result of no crew change.”

The union President noted that some of the merchant navy personnel are abandoned in some ports while others are in the mid sea, urging seafarers’ employers to consider better welfare packages to crews under their work force.

“As the 36 Governors of the nation are planning to have additional 2week national lockdown, it’s imperative for them to consider the plight of the seafarers who are out there for survival of the national & world economy.

“Unfortunately the Nigeria government is carried away with the vulnerable & down trodden. In a situation where the interswitch is not working, cheque clearing & no work no pay, pose a danger to human activities which of course lead to social disorder in the society.

“The Government needs to factor in so many things before considering who qualify for palliatives.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria needs to capture average Nigerian for palliatives as well as monitoring to ensuring it gets to them. An hungry man is an angry man. He/she will only comply with order if there is hope of food on the table otherwise, there will be more to battle than the global epidemic.

“It’s therefore my humble advice to Nigeria Government, to consider & extend palliatives to the seafarers who suffer for the survival of the global trade.

“We appreciate NIMASA for the extension on expired certificates renewal, we urge them to come to the aid of seafarers both Nationals & Foreigners at this trying period.

“The shipping companies should be considered for tax holiday, reduced interest rate and some assistance to enable them cope with this current trend of covid 19 epidemic. All the concerned authorities should be reached out to by the Nigeria Government as to source solutions within,”he added.

Edited by ‘Biodun Soyele