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3000 jobs lost, 2000 more on the line, maritime workers lament

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The reality of the economic crisis in the country have become more glaring, as about 3000 jobs have reportedly been lost in the maritime sector in the last one year.

Aside the jobs loses, no fewer than 20 shipping countries have closed shop as the economic crisis bites harder.

This was disclosed by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, on Thursday, adding that unfavourable government policies are responsible for these.

Disclosing these at a press briefing in Lagos, President-General of the union, Mr. Anthony Emmanuel Nted, said a further over 2000 jobs are equally on the line.

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The union called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene to save the sector from imminent collapse, adding that many more shipping companies were on the verge of folding up, as they are currently only running skeletal services.

Nted, who blamed the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for some of the problems in the maritime sector, said: “Today, we lament the action of the management of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, in also planning to sack a section of the Dockworkers, especially the Tally Clerks and Onboard Security men in spite of their importance and relevance in the Port operations, as it affects the reoccurring scourge of tonnage under declaration and its negative impact on the nation’s economy.

“The leakage of revenue through under declaration of tonnage should be seriously tackled. In this regard, we reiterate that Tally Clerks and Onboard Security men should be allowed to continue the critical job of uncovering and discouraging under tonnage which is often done with the unholy collaboration of NPA, shipping companies, agents and terminal operators. The Tally Clerks and onboard security men are capable of preventing these economic crimes as they were doing through their independent and physical tallying process.

“Over 2000 workers (Tally clerks and onboard security men) are involved. Their reinstatement will go a long way in reducing the number of unemployed Nigerians, and also reducing the misery of their families.”

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews

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