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Seafarers’ Union Welcomes Ministers Of Marine/ Blue Economy, Labour , Transportation

September 15, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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...Advocates Professionalism In Maritime Operations
Leadership of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Senior Association (NMNOWTSSA) on Thursday , advocated for the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to embrace professionalism and competency as it affects the technicalities of seafaring operations.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate association  while congratulating the pioneer Minister promised to strategically work closely with the Oyetola’s led Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy noting that the seafaring profession is highly technical and required competency to manage.
In a statement signed by the President NMNOWTSSA, Comrade Bob Yousou and Secretary General Comrade John Okpono Aleakhue respectively, pledged  to support  Oyetola in achieving the given mandates set aside by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy .
While welcome the  former Governor of Osun State  to the maritime Industry, the union affirmed that  in due course , members will synergize , engage and brief the minister on possible way to resolve some of the challenges affecting the industry’s  growth,  pointing out that engagement with critical stakeholders with core marine  background would further help him to actualise his set goals and objectives.
The NMNOWTSSA further expressed satisfaction for the creation of the new Ministry saying it is long overdue for the unbundling of the octopus Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT).
The statement further lauded President Bola Tinubu for the innovation of establishing a new ministry aimed to harness the hidden treasures of the ocean .
Similarly, the NMNOWTSSA further congratulated the new Ministers of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong and that of state Mrs. Nkeruika Onyeajeocha for their appointment , affirming that the seafarers union will give solidarity support in furtherance to promote a symbiotic relationship that has co-existed in line with labour laws and International best practices.
The statement also congratulated the Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Saidu Ahmed Alkali for the new appointment.
“Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association proudly commends the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his visionary leadership and bold initiative in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“This significant step underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of our maritime resources and promoting sustainable economic growth.
“The maritime sector plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy, offering vast opportunities for development, job creation, and innovation. With the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to unlocking these opportunities and charting a course towards a prosperous future.
“This move aligns perfectly with our association’s mission to advance the interests of the seafaring profession in furtherance to promote a robust maritime industry.
“We are excited to collaborate with the newly established ministry to drive sustainable practices, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships that will elevate Nigeria’s standing on the global maritime stage.
“As TUC affiliate, we also welcome aboard the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong and that of state Mrs. Nkeruika Onyeajeocha for the appointment by Mr. President.
“As stakeholders in the maritime sector, we pledge our full support and commitment to working hand in hand with the Tinubu led government to be successful in achieving his mandates.
“Together, we will harness the power of our oceans and waterways to build a brighter, more resilient economy for our nation and its citizens.”

PICTURES OF THE DAY: 3RD ANNUAL SEAFARERS DAY COLLOQUIUM

July 3, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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PICTURES OF THE DAY:

NMNOWTSSA,MWUN ANNUAL SEAFARERS DAY COLLOQUIUM GATHERS MOMENTUM IN LAGOS

Ahead of the World Seafarers Day celebration which is billed for June 25 , the 3rd edition of the Annual Seafarers Day Colloquium put together by the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) successfully held today, Friday 23, June 2023 in Lagos.

The 3rd edition of the Seafarers’ Colloquium recorded large turn out of stakeholders, which include maritime regulatory agencies, employers of labour, master mariners, manning agents, union experts , maritime lawyers, lecturers and students from various maritime institutions.

The theme of the third edition, has ” Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): A verifiable platform for harmonious industrial relationship and growth.

Highpoints of the event was three paper presentation by maritime lawyer , Barrister Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara, Chief Marine Engineer and former President of NMNOWTSSA, Comrade Kuzi Onyibe and Prof.Abiodun Sule , the Executive Director, Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research who was represented by Captain Fola Ojutalayo a lecture and member of the NMNOWTSSA.

In attendance were the Deputy President Generals, MWUN, Comrade Harry Leonard Tonye and Comrade Francis Bunu respectively.

Others include : Another former President of NMNOWTSSA, Captain Ben Gold , Mr. John Kayode Peters, Assistant Director Maritime Labour Services Dept , NIMASA , representative of Oceandeep Services Limited, Madam Favour Kalu, Chaplain, Mission to Seafarers’, Reverend Francis Aduroja and Aina Akinola, National Seafarers’ Welfare Board of Nigeria etc.

📷: NMNOWTSSA

NMNOWTSSA Urges Tinubu To Run Govt Of Inclusiveness , Sends Congratulatory Messages

June 1, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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The National President of Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to run an all inclusive government poised to promote national interest .

The National President of the seafarers union,  Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo on a congratulating letter to the president, Federal Republic of Nigeria wished President Tinubu administration success as his victory at the March poll was divine.

Yousou further advised President Tinubu to build his team on the basis of service delivery.

Merchant Navy To Nigerian Navy: We Are Backed By Law, Can’t Be Proscribed

June 1, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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Merchant Navy associations are kicking against their recent blanket categorization as illegal and subsequent clampdown and proscription by the Nigerian Navy.

Leading the protest is the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) which submitted that it is not part of those the Federal Government proscribed.

The body claimed that its creation is backed by law and cannot be proscribed. The Nigerian Navy listed the proscribed maritime outfits operating illegally in the nation to include: Nigerian Merchant Navy, Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force, Nigerian Coast Guard, Merchant Navy Maritime Academy, Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard Security and Safety Corps, Maritime Security Agency as well as Nigerian Maritime Law Enforcement Agency, among others.

The President of NMNOWTSSA Engr Bob Yousuo in a chat with our correspondent stressed that his association is fully backed by law and cannot be proscribed.

Yousuo noted that the association has severally drawn the attention of the Government and public to the activities of illegal outfits and associations impersonating the Nigerian Merchant Navy to perpetuate illegalities.

Yousou stated that the Nigerian Merchant Navy is not a security outfit, but a body of Nigerian seafarers and sailors fully recognized by the Federal Government and affiliated with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“We are the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association; this means that we are Nigerian sailors or seafarers. We are not a security outfit. We are concerned with the promotion and development of the welfare of Seafarers. We cannot be proscribed because we are backed by law. We are recognized by the Federal Government and fully affiliated and recognized by the ITF and TUC.

He however acknowledged that some unscrupulous groups claim to be merchant navy and have been impersonating the authentic merchant navy group.

“It is quite unfortunate that we have many illegal outfits and associations out there fronting the name Merchant Navy to perpetuate illegalities. Many schools and institutions are giving out uniforms to people to operate illegally. Unfortunately, Nigerians believe they can only succeed with the use of uniforms to harass people.

“We don’t have the power to arrest or detain. We have written several letters to the government, the Nigerian Navy and other relevant authorities about this misrepresentation and illegal activities of these fake institutions and associations. We have also had several press conferences to inform the public about their illegal activities.

“Some call themselves Merchant Navy, Coast Guard and the likes. What are they guarding? These are illegal outfits and they should be proscribed. Now that the Nigerian Navy is taking action against them, it is a welcome development. The NMNOWTSSA is not a security outfit. We are Nigerian sailors and we cannot be proscribed”, Yousuo declared.

On his part, the Secretary General of another body of seafarers; the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria (MESAN), Captain Alfred Oniye blamed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for the proliferation of illegal maritime outfits in the country.

He stressed that there are requirements and conventions set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for maritime security, adding that the CAC needs to do some basic background checks before issuing licenses and certificates to these outfits.

“The Nigerian Navy is right to say ‘fake Merchant Navy’. We cannot deny the fact that we have fake Merchant and Sail Navy everywhere and we also cannot deny the fact that there are some Merchant Navy personnel who are carrying out fake maritime security jobs. We have fake security personnel everywhere. That is the same way we have fake Nigeria Navy too who carry arms, wear camouflage and do escort jobs, but the Nigerian Navy is not looking into that. Why are they poking their nose into Merchant Navy affairs instead of looking into their own affairs? The Nigerian Navy knows what to do. They have the right to arrest and charge them. It is like the Nigerian Navy is just waking up from their sleep.

“Some of these security outfits are even registered by CAC and the CAC which registered them doesn’t even know the rudiments of maritime. The CAC has also contributed to the problem on ground because they don’t have a deep understanding of the maritime sector”.

He admitted that “registering these organizations is like deceiving the public that there is another Navy apart from the Nigerian Navy and Merchant Navy”.

Reacting to the proliferation of different associations, Oniye said “the law permits you to have freedom of association, but that is not a license to breach the country’s security. Many people have pulled out of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Association which is normal. If their mandate is not in line with your vision, and they are not protecting your right, you have the right to opt-out, join any association or establish your own that can protect you. But what matters most is that everybody is operating within the scope of the law.

“The Nigeria Merchant Navy and Water Transport Senior Staff Association is not superior to anybody. They are established by the Trade Union Act which is still the home of many Merchant Navies, but it is not the Union that makes you a Merchant Navy, it is a professional body. The Nigeria Merchant Navy and Water Transport Senior Staff Association is a Union under Trade Union, but that is not what makes you a Merchant Navy. You become a Merchant Navy once you are trained, certified and recognized by IMO because it is a professional field”, Oniye argued.

Also speaking, the immediate past President of NMNOWTSSA, Engr. Matthew Alalade opined that the Nigerian Navy is aware of the location and activities of these miscreants. He alleged that some of the retired officials in the security agencies are the ones backing them up.

Alalade urged the Navy and other security agencies to employ their intelligence and go after illegal maritime outfits to prevent them from defrauding unsuspecting people.

Merchant Navy Assures On Improved Welfare For Members

May 25, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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As a panacea towards improving on staff productivity, the leadership of Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has promised improved welfare package for its mmbers.
The Association also said it is determined in increasing its membership base by unionising with more companies.

Disclosing this to newsmen, the President, NMNOWTSSA, Engr Yousou, during an interview with journalists, assured that the union would work with Trade Union Congress (TUC) and International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) for promotion of seafarers’ rights.
The President noted that due to the several reforms and innovation under his leadership, more professional seafarers are embracing the association.
He stressed that NMNOWTSSA has built a robust working relationships with relevant and critical stakeholders in the maritime industry in the last three years of his administration.

On its achievements recorded since his election in 2020, Yousou affirmed that 80% of his promises have been fulfilled, noting that his administration has been working round the clock to get more members to be part of the union.
While affirming the union’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of Merchant Navy outfits in the country, Yousou called on seafarers to consult stakeholders to authenticate which group is genuine in the seafaring profession.
According to him, the union has introduced strategies to cater for the well-being of foreign seafarers who are trapped in Nigeria, adding that interventions from the union  has proffered solutions to some of the challenges faced by them.
“We are also working round-the-clock to get more members to be part of the union and you can see that many professional seafarers are embracing the association and they are proud of joining us because of our relevance.

“By the special grace of God also, we have been able to unionise more companies under my administration. Not only unionising them, we also assist in Collective Bargaining Agreement that is being reviewed every two years. And I want to believe we have tried our best .
“By His grace, this year I want to unionise more companies, more CBAs for members , our priority for the year is to ensure that we achieve this target,” he said.

INTERVIEW: ‘Our Union Have Gained More Recognition As Well As Reputation”- Engr. Yousou

May 25, 2023 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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Engr Bob  Joseph Yousuo is the National President, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA). He is a seasoned marine engineer with over three decades of proven experience . In this interview, the number one senior seafarer in Nigeria talked about the journey so far since he was elected in office 2020.The marine engineer told some selected journalists about  his next line of actions  on how to better the lots of members and get more seafarers into the union.He also spoke about the maritime industry ‘s prospects, challenges and expectations mostly as it affects the forthcoming elections. 

 

NIGERIA MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS AND WATER TRANSPORT SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION (NMNO/WTSSA) PAPER PRESENTATION TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NIMASA

May 7, 2021 Nmnowtssa.org.ng
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I bring fraternal greetings of our great Association (NMNO/WTSSA) to the management of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and also our profound appreciation to the Director General of NIMASA for the audience given to us to have this important meeting.

 

Today, we are here to build on the existing industrial relationship between our union and the management of NIMASA. This is without prejudice to the welfare of Nigeria Seafarers that we represent.

 

We live in a very challenging time occasion by  the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which has run the world economy aground with attendant results of unpaid salaries/wages, slashes in salaries & allowances to unimaginable rate, termination of employment without pay, movement restrictions, interstate travel ban, curfew and all the likes. Despite these odds, it is gratifying that NIMASA had demonstrated firmness in the discharge of her responsibilities.

 

I, Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo, on behalf of Nigeria Seafarers (Officers), appreciate NIMASA for her good gestures towards us and the Agency swift response in ensuring that the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Nigeria Seafarers as essential workers during the lockdown and interstate travel ban in other to ease crew change and other challenges faced during the period. The palliatives given to us on behalf of Nigeria Seafarers (Officers) were distributed in a fair manner. Once again, Nigeria Seafarers say a big thanks to you & your Agency Sir.

 

Sir, we want to use this opportunity to inform you that we have been able to rent a duplex office apartment at No 14, Marine Road, Apapa Lagos. In line with the vision of our current leadership, a befitting National Secretariat is a sin que none. It is on this note we request the assistance of NIMASA towards getting Sound prove Generator, Computers, furniture’s & fittings etc to enable us achieve our set goal of making the new office the pride of Nigerian Seafarers (Officers) as we intend to invite you for the opening ceremony of the new Secretariat. An official letter to this end is on its way.

 

Also, we would like to remind you of an official vehicle the Agency has promised us, but up till date we haven’t gotten it. On this note, we appeal that you use your good office to expedite action for us to receive it.

 

We shall continue to collaborate with you in all areas to better the lives of an average Nigeria Seafarer (Officers) that are facing a lot of challenges among which are:

  • UNPAID SALARIES: Some Manning Agents employs some desperate Nigeria Seafarers without duly signing contract agreement paper and thereby owing them salaries up to 8 months or more.

 

  • MANNING AGENTS: Some Manning Agents are instigating Nigeria Seafarers (Officers) against joining the union. We totally condemn this act as it is against the MLC, 2006. Some Manning Agents are also deducting check – off dues from our members’ salaries without remitting same to us:

 

  • By the virtue of signing the NJIC into law, Cap T14 section 5 sub section 3(a) 2004 and the MLC, 2006 recommends that all Nigeria Seafarers (Officers) are expected to be our members. As Seafarers representative, we therefore urge NIMASA to request as part of the criteria for Manning certificate renewal the evidence of check – off dues remittance to the union.

 

  • Also, the MLC, 2006 recognizes Tripartite (Ship-owners, Government representatives & the Seafarers representatives in this case of the union. Most Ship-owners hire the services of Manning Agents without letting them interface with the union thereby creating issues of not recognizing/accepting the union which deny Seafarers from joining us as well as nonpayment of monthly check – off dues.

 

  • It is also in compliance with the MLC, 2006 for a valid CBA to be onboard all vessels, therefore the need for the Agency to ensure all Shipping companies in Nigeria have duly signed valid CBA with the union onboard their vessels, by this, the welfare and wellbeing of the Nigeria Seafarers is guaranteed.

 

  • The issue of Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) on Nigeria COC certificate has set us far behind our counterpart from other Maritime nations. We hereby appeal to NIMASA to either expunge NCV from the Certificates or issue unlimited Master & Chief Engineer for the deserving Nigerian Seafarers (Officers) who have the required educational qualification, working experience and the necessary documents to ply international waters by upgrading it through examination either by oral or written. In term of Academic qualifications and field experience, some younger Officers have been holding OOW unlimited for over 10 years which resultant effect have not allowed them to go beyond 2nd Officer position onboard. Chief Officer, Master, Chief and 2nd Engineer positions are reserved for foreign Seafarers (Officers) because they know Nigeria does not issue Class ll and l certificates.

 

  • Waiver in our Cabotage catchment should be reviewed. NIMASA should be stricter on the crew waiver. Enforcement/monitoring team should be created and empowered; this will tackle those who are working with just ordinary application for waiver and temporary work permit from Immigration.

 

  • NIMASA to sign bilateral agreement with more Countries to create enabling environment for Nigeria COC to be accepted in many Countries by signing MOU with more Flag States or other Maritime Countries, so they can recognize Nigerian COC’s.

 

  • To give priority to Nigeria Seafarers in terms of employment opportunities and to consider having National Fleets for the purpose of training Nigeria Cadets.

 

  • Above all to train Officers in some advance courses as well as the union executives for better performance.

 

In conclusion, we urge NIMASA to urgently look into all these issues and expedite action.

 

Thanks and God bless.

 

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live NIMASA!

Long live NMNO/WTSSA!

Long live Nigerian Seafarers (Officers)!