Maritime union
Maritime workers issue 7-day strike notice over 50% IGR deductions
The Maritime sector is on the brink of unrest as workers have given the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to halt the implementation of the presidential directive mandating a 50% automatic deduction from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of federal government-owned enterprises, specifically affecting the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
In a united front, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), NPA branch, penned a joint letter to President Bola Tinubu on March 15, 2024.
The letter, signed by Prince Adewale Adeyanju and Felix Akingboye of MWUN, as well as Akinola Bodunde and Eko Alli of SSASCGOC, pleaded for urgent intervention to avert an impending industrial action that could paralyze port activities.
The workers highlighted the detrimental impact of the deduction policy on the NPA, emphasizing the entity’s self-funded status and its critical role in maintaining port infrastructure and operations.
They argued that the 50% automatic deduction posed a severe threat to the NPA’s ability to fulfil its obligations, leading to disruptions and financial strain.
Expressing concern over the Minister of Finance’s role as the sole signatory authorized to disburse funds, the unions called for a revision of the deduction rate from 50% to 30%, allowing the NPA more financial autonomy to carry out its duties effectively.
The unions urged President Tinubu to acknowledge their grievances and initiate reforms to mitigate the adverse effects of the policy on workers and the NPA.
Failure to address their demands within seven days would compel the unions to embark on an industrial action, resulting in the withdrawal of services at ports nationwide.