Dockworkers Threaten Nationwide Port Shutdown Over Delayed Wage Negotiations

Dockworkers under the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have threatened to shut down port operations across the country next week over the failure of terminal operators to commence negotiations on a new National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement.

The workers expressed growing frustration over what they described as persistent delays by terminal operators in negotiating revised employment rates, warning that the situation could trigger an industrial crisis in Nigeria’s maritime sector if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the dispute.

President of the Dockworkers Branch of MWUN, Comrade Bolaji Agboola, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday, noting that the union’s leadership was finding it increasingly difficult to contain workers’ agitation over the prolonged delay.

According to Agboola, the previous NJIC agreement expired at the end of May 2026, with revised rates expected to take effect from June 1, 2026. However, negotiations on a new agreement have yet to commence.

He maintained that dockworkers should already be benefiting from the revised rates, stressing that the continued failure of terminal operators to begin discussions had heightened tensions among workers.

Agboola warned that unless the operators respond to the union’s demands, port activities nationwide could be disrupted next week, with potential consequences for maritime operations and cargo-handling activities.

He explained that the branch leadership had continued engaging workers to prevent an escalation of the dispute but admitted that sustaining calm was becoming increasingly difficult as frustration mounted.

The union leader also accused operators of terminals and jetties covered by the NJIC agreement of delaying discussions on the review of workers’ rates, insisting that negotiations must begin without further delay.

In a move to prevent a possible shutdown, Agboola called on the Federal Government to intervene through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He urged the agency to ensure that the affected terminal operators commence negotiations before the close of work this week, warning that failure to do so could leave the union with little room to prevent industrial action.

The threatened shutdown raises concerns over a possible disruption to port operations across Nigeria, particularly if the disagreement between dockworkers and terminal operators remains unresolved.

The union is seeking the timely review of workers’ rates under the NJIC framework, while the commencement of negotiations before the end of the week is expected to be critical to averting the planned industrial action.