Shipping agencies in Nigeria have approved a N200,000 minimum wage for workers in the maritime industry.
The amount tops the N70,000 national minimum wage that the government this year approved for the country.
Undertaken under the aegis of the Shipping Agencies, Clearing, and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) the signing took place between the organisation and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
It had the backing and support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and was signed in Lagos on Saturday.
The minimum wage is coming 20 years after the maritime union initiated the struggle.
According to President of SACFEA, Mrs Boma Alabi (SAN), these new minimum conditions of service would be the highest in any industry in Nigeria.
Alabi said: “The most significant thing is that in setting a minimum standard for the shipping industry, we have gone above and beyond any other industry in Nigeria. The national minimum wage is N70,000 and we know what it took to get the Federal Government to get to that point.
“By the agreement we have signed today, our minimum wage is N200,000. It is almost triple the national minimum wage.”
Alibi said that although the union demanded N160,000 the employers approved N200,000.
She said: “This is because they understand the situation in the country and want to ensure that everyone is happy. We don’t just want the workers to live, but to work and save for their future.”
Also speaking, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged the workers at shipping agencies to seize the incentive to increase productivity and efficiency.
Oyetola stated: “I enjoin the labor unions to remain steadfast and vibrant in advocating for the rights of workers by ensuring compliance with the agreed standards.
“As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders uphold the tenets of this agreement. I urge employers in the industry to embrace these conditions as a catalyst for fostering a positive work environment.”
Adewale Adeyanju, President General of MWUN and Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress, said: “As we celebrate this achievement, let us also remember that our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of maritime workers and the employers for peaceful industrial harmony.”
