Maritime workers get N.2m minimum wage after 20 years of negotiations

The Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) has approved N200,000 as minimum wage for workers in the maritime sector. The agreement was reached after over two decades of conflicts amid negotiations for minimum conditions of service for workers. The amount is about 54 per cent higher than the federal government’s recently approved minimum […]

The Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) has approved N200,000 as minimum wage for workers in the maritime sector.

The agreement was reached after over two decades of conflicts amid negotiations for minimum conditions of service for workers.

The amount is about 54 per cent higher than the federal government’s recently approved minimum wage of N70,000.

It could be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had in July 2024, increased the federal government’s offer on the national minimum wage from N62,000 to N70,000, with an assurance that it will be reviewed after three years, instead of five years.

• My rift with Obaseki reinforces constitutional roles for dep govs – Shaibu
• Housing data: Why Nigeria is racing against time

But in a landmark achievement, SACFEA and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) officially signed the agreement at the weekend in Lagos under the watchful eyes of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Addressing newsmen after the signing of the agreement, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, said the minimum basic wage of maritime workers now stands at N200,000.

Adeyanju said the agreement marks a significant milestone in the journey to end unfair labour practices and improve working conditions in the shipping subsector.

He said the amount included allowances and all other benefits and that the minimum standard set at N200,000 will be reviewed every two years.

He commended the minister for his support and commitment to maritime workers’ welfare, which he said contributed to the historic agreement.

Speaking earlier, Oyetola, described the agreement as a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in the industry. 

He said considering the maritime industry’s crucial role in job creation and contribution to the nation’s GDP, it is important that its workforce are treated with dignity and provided with the necessary conditions for them to thrive. 

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Piul Akutah, reiterated the minister’s emphasis on the need for stability in the sector, urging all stakeholders to work together to maintain harmony and promote progress. 

On her part, the chairperson of the  Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers’ Association (SACFEA), Boma Alabi said, “This minimum standard is the highest in any industry in Nigeria.