Headlines
Workers’ Day: Nigerian seafarers bemoan slave-like treatment

Bob Youssou, the National President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has described the treatment of seafarers by their employers, ship owners and manning agents as slavery arrangements. MrYousou, made this known in his Workers’ Day celebration speech, made available to reporters on Sunday in Lagos. He decried late payments of salaries to Nigerian seafarers despite prompt payment to their foreign counterparts in Nigeria’s territorial waters. “The average Nigerian worker’s standard of living is poor and the non-existence of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for seafarers in most of the shipping companies is discouraging. “As part of efforts at reducing foreign dominance in the nation’s maritime sector, the Federal Government should promote local content and the Cabotage Act,” he said. He charged the government to checkmate the influx of foreign seafarers into the maritime space of the country, adding that the lack of enforcement of the Cabotage Act had led to unemployment among Nigerian seafarers. The National President, however, promised that the union would continue to support the policies of the government for efficiency in the sector. While congratulating seafarers on the occasion of Workers Day, Mr Yousou appealed to them that there was still hope for the development of the country, irrespective of the present state of insecurity. His words, “We must be united to fight our common enemies, the slave master of our time. “We, as an International Transport Workers’ Federation ( ITF) affiliate, will use this opportunity to request that the Federal Government of Nigeria considers floating a national carrier. “With a national carrier, cadets can have sea time training, carry Nigeria cargoes, thereby reducing capital freight, reduce unemployment, as well as the pride of the nation, as the maritime hub in West Africa.” |
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Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
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