Ex-MWUN PG, Adeyanju decries delayed pension payment for aged NNSL seafarers

The immediate past President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ( MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju has made a fresh and urgent appeal to the Federal Government over the prolonged delay in payment of pension for aged seafarers who retired following the liquidation of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).

Adeyanju’s appeal comes six months after the affected seafarers underwent a verification exercise in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Seafarers Branch 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, Adeyanju, who is also the Vice President, International Transport Workers Federation ( ITF) expressed concern over the delay, particularly since all necessary documentation has been completed.

He said, “I’m more than worried because before I left the office, the verification was the last and the final stage. The final stage has gone to the Ministry of Finance, but we’re having some small problems there.

Criticizing the ongoing delay, Adeyanju added, “You can’t continue to be killing them silently every day. They have done verification about five to six months ago yet the government has not called the Union to sit down with them because what we are bargaining for is pension buyout.”

Adeyanju assured that the current President General of the Maritime Workers Union, Comrade Francis Bunu along with the executive and himself, representing the ITF, would actively pursue the matter to ensure the seafarers receive their due.

Describing seafarers as “floating prisoners” due to their prolonged periods at sea away from their families, Adeyanju urged the government to ensure that these dedicated individuals receive their rightful dues.

He expressed optimism that the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy is ready to facilitate the payments but noted that the issue currently lies with the Ministry of Finance, where the files have been transferred.

“The government should make sure what belongs to them is given to them because they have worked for the government and must get their dividend. You can’t deny them of their legitimate right.” he said.

Adeyanju cautioned seafarers against engaging in illicit activities such as stowaway operations in the name of their profession, urging them to act responsibly.

Meanwhile, Adeyanju also commended MWUN over the peaceful and seamless conduct of the 6th Quadrennial Branch Delegates Conference, expressing his delight at the smooth exercise.