Nigerian seafarers challenge MWUN’s assertion on wage

Nigerian seafarers, represented by the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria (MESAN), have contested the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria’s (MWUN) recent assertion that they receive some of the highest wages globally.
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The Secretary-General of MESAN, Captain Alfred Oniye, highlighted a significant discrepancy between MWUN’s claims and the realities based on global standards and ongoing wage discussions.
 
Recently, MWUN announced that Nigerian seafarers ranked among the best-paid worldwide. However, MESAN has raised serious concerns about these statements, citing benchmarks from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and current negotiations within the Nigerian Joint Industrial Council (NJIC). 
 
Oniye said that contrary to the optimistic views presented by MWUN, reports and data suggest that the average monthly earnings of Nigerian seafarers fall significantly below the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) recommended minimum wage for Able Seamen. He said that this discrepancy casts doubts on the accuracy of MWUN’s statements and potentially misrepresents the economic conditions of the maritime workers.
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Oniye explained that wage determination in the maritime sector is complex and influenced by regional living costs, demand for maritime labour and international standards.
 
He stated that while the efforts of MWUN and the ITF to secure better Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) are commendable, claiming that Nigerian seafarers are among the highest paid seems premature.
 
Oniye emphasised the need for a more realistic and transparent approach to wage discussions, while advocating for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure wages are fair, transparent and equitable. 
 
He said that as wage negotiations continue, all eyes are on the NJIC’s role in addressing these disparities, hoping that future agreements will better reflect international standards and the true contributions of Nigerian seafarers to the industry.
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