Business
Port Workers Threaten Showdown Over Bill
Port workers are set to embark on nationwide protests over their disagreement with some sections of the Ports and Harbour Bill, which they observed could lead to massive job losses.
A source close to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) told The Tide source in Lagos recently that the protests would take place simultaneously in all the seaports.
The source said that the union observed inherent dangers in the bill which was recently passed by the Senate.
He said that the protests were being jointly organised by the MWUN and the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC), Maritime Branch.
According to the source, the decision to embark on the mass protests was because there had been no response from the National Assembly since the two unions wrote a letter opposing some sections of the Ports and Harbour Bill.
The Ports and Harbour Authority Bill which seeks to repeal the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, 1955 as amended, has been passed by the Senate and is awaiting concurrent passage by the House of Representatives.
The MWUN had earlier petitioned the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Yakubu Dogara, saying that the bill would lead to massive job losses for NPA workers.
The union also pointed out several economic and security implications of the bill, if passed.
When contacted, the Secretary-General of MWUN, Mr Felix Akingboye, confirmed the imminent protests, but refused to give details.
“We are mobilising our members in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar, for the demonstration.
“The protests will hold simultaneously in all the ports from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday,’’ Akingboye said.
“We are opposed to any attempt to further strip Nigerians of their rights through further concession in the guise of amending the NPA Act, 1955 as amended,’’ he said.
According to him, the promoters of the bill are only after their personal interests and this is to concession the harbour operations of NPA to private individuals.
“Whereas, all over the world, harbour operations are an exclusive duty of government because of the security implications and huge revenue generation.
“We have carefully perused the bill and the existing Nigerian Ports Authority Act of 1955, as amended, and we cannot see any deficiency in the present NPA Act that warranted the bill, except for the latent intention of its promoters to corner for themselves harbour operations.
“Harbour operations are a major revenue earner for the NPA and by extension, the Federal Government, without taking into consideration the security implications to the country and of course the job losses, as done during the concession exercise,’’ Akingboye said.
He advised that government should avoid the mistakes of the port concession of 2006, which led to the sack of 12,000 NPA workers.
“The provision of item 6 in the second schedule of the bill is repulsive. It provides that every staff of NPA would not be absorbed in the Ports and Harbour Authority”, he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.