MWUN threatens to shutdown Seaports Operations nationwide January 9,

over non compliance of stevedoring extant laws by IOCs, Stevedoring Contractors

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, has threatened to shut down operations in all the nations seaports, jetties, and oil & gas platforms on Tuesday, January 9,2023, over continuous refusal of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Stevedoring Contractors to comply with the Stevedoring extant laws. 

Several attempts to call them to order yielded no positive results as written letters, press releases, ultimatums, marine notices; given by NIMASA and several ministerial orders to this effect were serially ignored by the management of NPA, the most recent was dated June 13, 2023 with ref.no. MWUN/MD/NPA/SC/U/1.23.

According to the Union's Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, there is need for total compliance of IOC's  to the stevedoring regulations in line with the communiques signed by all the relevant stakeholders in the sector

He explained that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as master stevedore and industry regulator is wholly saddled with the responsibility of granting operational licences to stevedoring companies to provide stevedoring services for designated IOCs in Nigeria. 

To him, "The NPA also have the enduring duty to use its oversight and regulatory authority to ensure respect for law and regulations in the dealings of the International Oil Companies (IOCs), who make use of the services of the stevedoring companies; and by extension, Members of Maritime Workers Union as Workers in  (IOCs) employ. 

However, he continued, "it's saddening that the NPA have abdicated its sole responsibility by allowing the IOCs to run an unimaginable riot without control in the sector.

"As a responsible social partner and a Union which operates strictly in line with extant regulations, MWUN have since 2018 severally brought to the NPA's attention the refusal of the IOCs to honour the provisions of the extant  stevedoring regulations and the continued violation of the remittance of Union Cheque-off dues in line with the extant stevedoring regulations.  

"As a bridge of the extant stevedoring laws stated, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, will on the 9th Tuesday, 2024 shut down the seaports nationwide after the expiration of the three (3)  work days already given to NPA commencing from the 4th of January, 2024," he said.

MAJAN faults FG on N8.2trn for debt Servicing in 2024

...says debt Servicing killing Nigeria's economy.

...says Blue Economy solution to debt overhang.

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Journalists Association (MAJAN) has expressed displeasure on the huge amount of money budgeted for debt servicing in 2024 budget, saying debt servicing is killing the nation’s economy

President Bola Tinubu had earlier  presented the sum of N27.5 trillion to the national assembly as the 2024 budget, with N8.2 trillion budgeted for debt servicing.

The president on Monday January 1, 2024 signed the budget into law after it was passed by the national assembly. It statement on Tuesday January 2, 2024, MAJAN commended President Tinubu for signing the 2024 budget benchmark of N28.7 trillion into law.

The Association also applauded the two arms of the National Assembly for immediate passage of the 2024 appropriation bill, though it was increased from N27.5 trillion initially proposed by President Tinubu to N28.7 trillion that was eventually signed into law.

The association viewed the amount stated in the budget that the nation is spending on debt servicing as outrageous, lamenting that debt servicing is killing the nation’s economy. MAJAN therefore called on President Tinubu to focus more on harnessing the potentials abound in blue economy, in order to generate more internal revenue and curtail excessive borrowings.

MAJAN as an Association, made these comments after analysing the key estimates of the budget as a group.

The Association believes strongly that  the Federal Government can cut down on foreign loans if it looks inward, invests more in blue economy to stimulate income flow for the country, now and in the long-run.

“A whopping sum of N8.2trn allocated for debt servicing alone is enough to build infrastructure across the country.  This is the time for President Tinubu to focus on blue economy for economic sustainability. We can’t go on borrowing and spending so much to service the debt”, MAJAN advised.

The Association stressed that the President has taken a bold step in creating a ministry of blue economy; but more pragmatic measures should be taken to walk the talk and achieve results within the shortest possible time.

In the budget analysis, the sum of N10 trillion is approved for capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure takes N8.8 trillion; debt services takes a huge sum of N8.2 trillion, while  N1.7 trillion goes into statutory transfers.

Increase in the budget amount reflected extra N1.2 trillion from what was proposed previously.

Also, the President harped on more funding for the Judiciary to promote justice in the system. As such, the statutory transfer for the Judiciary was increased from N165billion to N342, to enhance efficiency at all times.

The association said “beyond all these, it is also the considered view of MAJAN that the issue of unemployment should take the front burner. We believe that by creating jobs and providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, would also help in curtailing foreign borrowings and help build a robust economy.

“Government should do more on strengthening infrastructures. Attention should be given to provision of regular power supply, which has caused most companies in Nigeria to either lock shop or relocate to other countries where there is steady power supply. The cost of doing business is Nigeria has greatly increased thus, resulting in so many companies relocating and some downsizing their workforce, and this further puts a strain on the already terrible job market.

“The road network in the country should be tackled. The cost of transporting goods and services from one location to another is very exorbitant. All these are contributory factors to inflation and high cost of commodities in the country.

“Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should in the spirit of renewed hope agenda, ensure that the 2024 budget takes cognizance of the aforementioned issues by making sure that the implementation of the budget is done with utmost sincerity and integrity. This, in our view, is the right path to renewed hope”.

Nigeria Customs to relaunch NCBN

 as CSC Maiwada Visits  Station for Revitalization Plans 

ZAINAB JUNAID

As plans unfold for the revitalization of Nigeria Customs Service Broadcasting Network, NCBN, the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the broadcasting network did not only signal a promising future for enhanced communication and information dissemination on matters crucial to the nation's economy, but will help promote business opportunities, increase security awareness in Nigeria and will also create more job opportunities for Nigerians.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024 officially visited the station to discuss plans for the revitalization of the media outfit under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

CSC Maiwada who doubles as Director  NCBN and also pioneer Liaison Officer for the station in the early stages of its establishment in 2020 was warmly welcomed by the Managing Director of NCBN, Jamilu Yusuf, at the network's Head Office in Guzape, Abuja.

Maiwada confirmed that the Service has made comprehensive arrangements to revive NCBN to its full potential.

While expressing optimism about the prospects of the re-establishment of the media outfit, he stressed the importance of having a standard broadcast station that specializes in reporting on commerce, trade, and national economic issues.

“We are back, and this time around, we are going to get it right, and we'll make sure that the station will succeed, contributing to a broader reach in specialized broadcasting.” declared CSC Maiwada.

He also emphasized the commitment of the Service to strengthen its relationship with Nigerians, noting that the objective is to disseminate accurate information about the Service. 

He said there is a connection between these efforts and CGC Bashir Adeniyi's initiatives to facilitate trade, suppress smuggling, and generate more revenue for infrastructural development within the nation.

Responding to this development, Managing Director Jamilu Yusuf expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as timely and long-awaited. 

He emphasized the significance of the visit in assessing the preparedness of NCBN for its relaunch. Mr. Yusuf reiterated the network's commitment to providing quality broadcasting that aligns with national economic interests.

The Managing Director also expressed his pleasure in taking the PRO and his team on a sight tour to all the offices in the station. 

This tour provided valuable insights on the current state of the facilities and gave room for discussions on areas that require attention as part of the network's re-establishment process.