The maritime sector has in the last six months recorded over 6,000 job losses, mostly dockworkers.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos last month, the Nigerian Ports Authority had indicated that it would terminate the services of tally clerks and onboard security men numbering 5000.
Two weeks later, in a letter signed by the NPA’s Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Mr. David Omonibeke, the Authority notified 10 stevedoring companies of this decision which was to take effect on December 15.
The letter read in part, “Management has resolved to discontinue with the services of tally clerks and on-board security men based on the fact that cargo handling has been ceded to terminal operators in the concessioned areas.
“The terminal operators are responsible for stevedoring in their respective areas as provided in the concession agreements.”
This decision was however met with displeasure by stevedoring companies. The President of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, reportedly protested the decision by the NPA to lay off the tally clerks and onboard security men who are 5000 in number.
He said the matter would be taken to the Federal Ministry of Transport for resolution as thousands of workers would be thrown into the labour market alongside their employers.
In the same vein, 1664 employees of Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, two months ago, were reportedly sacked by the company’s contracting firm, Prime Service Company.
The Unit Chairman, Niger Dockworkers and Prime Service Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria , Mr. Otobo Daniel, had told newsmen that the workers were sacked because the management of the company was unwilling to pay the increment, allowances and other bonuses the workers had demanded.