Shipping agencies, operating under the Shipping Agencies, Clearing, and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA), have officially established a new minimum wage of N200,000 for their employees.
This development marks a milestone in the industry, following two decades of negotiations.
The agreement was finalized during a signing ceremony in Lagos, facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council with the support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The President of SACFEA, Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN), highlighted that the new wage standard sets a precedent in Nigeria, exceeding the national minimum wage of N70,000.
Alabi emphasized that the decision to offer a wage above what was initially requested by the workers reflects the employers’ understanding of the current economic situation in the country.
The new wage structure is expected to enhance the well-being of workers while also boosting productivity and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged the workers to respond to these improved conditions with increased productivity and efficiency.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the agreed standards and fostering a conducive work environment.
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju, expressed appreciation for the achievement and pledged the union’s continued advocacy for the rights of maritime workers.
This agreement, he noted, marks the end of a prolonged struggle and ushers in a new era of improved welfare and industrial harmony in the shipping industry.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, credited the successful negotiations to the leadership of Minister Oyetola and praised the collaboration between the MWUN and SACFEA in reaching this historic agreement.
