The outgoing President-General, PG, of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, has reflected on his transformative eight-year tenure as the PG of the Union and gave insight into why his leadership prioritized industrial peace.

During an interface with journalists at the union’s Lagos headquarters, as he prepares to pass the torch to his successor, Francis Bunu, Adeyanju shared his most significant accomplishments, particularly his focus on achieving industrial peace within Nigeria’s Maritime sector.

Francis Bunu is set to be formally elected as the new President-General of MWUN on March 28, 2025, following overwhelming support from union members.

Bunu stands unopposed ahead of the National Delegates’ Conference, marking a seamless transition of leadership.

Adewale Adeyanju’s address highlighted the emphasis he placed on fostering industrial peace as the cornerstone of his administration. He shared how he shifted the union’s approach from adversarial methods to constructive dialogue with employers, laying the groundwork for harmonious relations within the sector.

This shift, according to Adeyanju, has been key in ensuring smoother operations and better working conditions across the Maritime industry.

“Industrial peace is not just a goal; it’s the foundation upon which we built progress,” Adeyanju said, acknowledging the crucial role of cooperation and communication in maintaining stability in the sector. His leadership successfully steered the union away from confrontation, ensuring a more collaborative environment with stakeholders, which, in turn, benefited the workers.

Adeyanju also extended his heartfelt gratitude to journalists for their vital role in the union’s success.

He expressed deep appreciation for the support of the media, which helped elevate the union’s image and forge stronger relationships with key players in the Maritime industry. “Without you, the press, we wouldn’t have seen the success we have today. You have been part of this story,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenging conditions faced by dockworkers prior to his leadership, Adeyanju described them as “orphans,” often subjected to exploitative practices. Under his guidance, significant improvements were made, particularly for shipping workers. One notable achievement was the introduction of a minimum wage for shipping workers, raising their pay from as low as N20,000 or N30,000 to N200,000.

Additionally, Adeyanju oversaw a long-awaited salary and wage review for Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) workers, which had remained unresolved for nearly two decades. “This was a major victory,” Adeyanju said, proudly highlighting that progress had been made across all four branches of the union.

Despite these strides, Adeyanju acknowledged that much work remains to be done.

He emphasized the need for continuity and urged stakeholders to extend the same support to Francis Bunu, who is poised to carry the union’s vision forward. Adeyanju also pointed to ongoing projects, such as the multinational recreation center for seafarers and dockworkers, funded by a £500,000 grant from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for securing the land for the project and ensuring support from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

One of the most challenging moments of Adeyanju’s leadership was the battle against the controversial Harbour Bill of the NPA, which threatened the welfare of NPA workers.

Adeyanju credited the collective efforts of the union, along with the unwavering support of the media and stakeholders, for the eventual defeat of the bill, which would have had a detrimental impact on workers.

Looking to the future, Adeyanju expressed confidence in Francis Bunu’s ability to continue the work of strengthening the Maritime sector. “I didn’t just place someone in charge to rubber-stamp decisions,” he said. “Francis is a seasoned labour activist who will advocate for Maritime workers and build upon the work we’ve done.” Adeyanju also noted that Bunu’s leadership would be supported by a strong executive, ensuring the success of the union’s ongoing initiatives.

Adeyanju reiterated that his greatest accomplishment was the establishment of industrial peace in the Maritime industry.

“The transformation we’ve seen in the past eight years has been possible because we prioritized peace and collaboration,” he concluded, expressing his hope that his successor would surpass his achievements and continue to steer the union toward a brighter future.

“The transformation we’ve seen in the past eight years has been possible because we prioritized peace and collaboration,” he concluded, expressing his hope that his successor would surpass his achievements and continue to steer the union toward a brighter future.