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My interest is to ensure whoever succeeds me would not destroy the legacy we have built over the years– Adewale Adeyanju.

In 2017, Prince Adewale Adeyanju Waheed  was first elected as the President – General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and was returned unopposed in March 2021, the first ever PG to enjoy such rare privilege.
By March 2025, he would have completed 8 momentous years of effective leadership as the number one maritime worker in the Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Those years the stakeholders unanimously agreed heralded peace and  industrial harmony in the maritime industry.
Those years which stakeholders, in the years to come, will look back at with nostalgia as years that were clear departure from the tenures of his predecessors which were characterised by thuggery, violence, industrial unrest and blood shed.
On Monday January 6th, 2025, Prince Adeyanju, the outgoing and indefatigable PG, MWUN ,spoke to FUNSO OLOJO in his office where he revealed his unique  style of leadership that has endeared him to the leaders and the led.
He disclosed what he has done differently that has enthroned discipline in the union, peace and industrial harmony in the port industry.
He also spoke about his legacy of negotiations rather than confrontation which he prayed his successor preserves.
He however concluded that he has a strong succession plan that will ensure the emergence of who will consolidate on his achievements as the next President -General of the union.
It is a must read

 By March, 2025, you would have spent years as the President- General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). 

Those years are generally regarded as peaceful marked by industrial harmony in the maritime industry which was a clear departure from years of thuggery and industrial crises that was the hallmark of tenure of your predecessors.
What did you do differently?
 If you have a father who trained you, you will be a good child and perform excellently on behalf of the father.
You know this industry is sensitive and peculiar and global in nature .
Over the years, I have worked with trusted and tested union leaders in the industry under whom I cut my teeth as a unionist.
I have worked with Chief Ogunleye who was the first President of the Dockworkers branch of the union.
He trained us in so many ways.
Also,if you have an employer who believes in management and unionism, it is better for you.
I am going to leave a vibrant union, a union that believes in negotiations, a union that believes in working with the management, protecting the interests of workers and not selling the rights of workers before the management.
We believe in open dialogue where you put all the options on the table so that we will be able to convince our members on the true position of things without any compromise or deceit.
Unlike in those days whenever elections were coming, there would be tension, thuggery and violence.
But not now. As you can see, three months to the elections, every where is peaceful. No gunshot, no thuggery.
That is the legacy of peace and tranquility we are leaving behind.
I have learnt the rope from the successive leadership of the union.
I was a defence minister under Irabor and  Tony Nted both the former PG of the union and now as the PG, I rose through the ranks.
Tony was the PG while I was the President of the Dockworkers branch . I was the Treasurer when Irabor emerged as PG in 2001.
Even, when Ukammuna was the President of Dockworkers before he eventually became the PG, I was an Operation manager in the Port.
This has put me in good stead  and given me enough experience to study the dynamics of the politics of the MWUN.
I have understood the complexity of the union and its members to be able to forge a synergy between the union and the employers that has now resulted to the industrial harmony we have now.
I didn’t just become PG by default.I came prepared for it.
These experiences really helped me to manage the union and restore sanity and order at the Ports.
I don’t believe in shutting down the port which is an essential part of the Nigeria’s economy, second only to oil and gas in terms of revenue and disrupting the activities of such important sector will hurt the economy.
Yes, strike is the weapon of any union leader but it should be the last resort when all negotiations failed.
Even at that, it has to be applied with wisdom.
In our own case, in order to avoid shutting down the port, we issue ultimatum which is a warning, a kind of awareness  for the employers, government and employees.
If they cannot meet the first ultimatum, we issue another one while negotiations continue.
By this method, you avoid  disruption of operations at the ports which is not healthy to the economy.
That is just part of the wisdom we applied that enthroned peace and industrial harmony we enjoy at the ports today.
Also, I have a vibrant executives who are from all our four branches such as NPA, Dockworkers, seafarers and Shipping branches.
They believed in my leadership style and keyed into my vision of negotiations and reconciliation to enthrone industrial harmony.
And as a leader, you must be disciplined, transparent, humble, approachable, proactive and sensitive to the welfare of members.
You must also run an interactive and open administration devoid of deceit and the one that inspires confidence in those you are leading.
Don’t disconnect with your workers, tell them the truth, don’t lie to them.
Those are part of the qualities they see in us that make them believed in our leadership which makes it easy to pursue our vision of peace and industrial harmony.
This has helped the system and it has also helped me.
I give God the glory.
The major cause of friction between the workers and management is the issue of welfare.
More often than not, negotiations break down and some union leaders resort to strike, especially when dealing with recalcitrant employers.
Have you met with such difficult employers in the cause of your negotiations for better welfare of your members?
They are many.
Then how do you bend them to agree to your terms of negotiations without any crisis?
It’s God. When you know your job and what you are doing.
There is no way you will not face those challenges but at the end of the day, you will still prevail.
But you give time for me to win, time for me to lose.
It is win win situation.
If you won today, I prepare for you next time.
So it helps. You can’t be rigid all the time by saying you must get what you want by all means. It is not done like that if you want peace.
I also believe that it is the employer who do not value his employees that deny them what rightfully belongs to them.
If one terminal is shut down today, it will affect the economy of the country.
So it’s give and take. You win some, you lose some.
Some of them are funny, they will tell you they will give you this but not this.
Ok, give me what you have and when next we are coming, you know we are coming to collect the remaining ones you didn’t give us the other time.
That was how we do it that makes us to achieve peace and industrial harmony.
How do you often calm down your members whenever their demands are not met or fully met.
A. We tell them the true situation of this, what we met and we ask for their opinions.
The workers too have their opinions, let them be part of the negotiations, let them make inputs. Let them speak out their mind.
I connect with my members, I engage them in open discussions at meetings held regularly to feel their pulse.
I will ask them if I make mistakes,they should tell me.
A leader should not be too big or bossy to be corrected.
I run an all inclusive administration that involves the participation of every one, from the leaders to the led.
 By March, this year, you would have put in 8 years of hard work when you build a union that is disciplined, peaceful and devoid of violence.
Now that you are leaving, are you not scared that a person who does not share your vision of peace and industrial harmony may emerge as the next PG of the union 
The person who handed over to me was not scared, so am not scared about who is likely to succeed me.
However, I should know who will succeed me.
I should be interested in who succeeds me. A good leader must have a good succession plan.
I must ensure that whoever wants to succeeds me would not destroy the legacy we have built over the years.
A legacy of peace, industrial harmony and sanity.
He must be the one who will not drag the ports into violence, who will not introduce tribalism, who will not introduce thuggery and someone who will not sell the birth rights of workers on the negotiation table.
The person should not be arrogant, he should be humble to the employers and members. He should be the one that will respect the constituted authority.
I should know who is coming.
I pray the person who succeeds me will perform.
We would give the necessary guidance to ensure the suitable candidate emerges as the next PG of the union.
 What happens if the person who possesses all these leadership qualities you want to succeeds you is not popular
How can I bring a person who is not popular?
I am popular, so the person too will be popular.
I will not impose anyone who is not popular or doesn’t know the job.
It is one thing to become PG , it is another thing to have the capacity to manage the four branches of the union.
The person must be ready to work because he is taking over from a workaholic.
We have transformed the union into a global brand, as the Vice president, global, executive board member , worldwide, Chairman, Africa, ITF and the Vice President of NLC.
We can beat our chest and say we have done well.
So whoever wants to succeeds me should possess the requisite capacity and competence to lead a global brand as Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
I won’t support any candidate again the others, we are all family members but we must ensure that the right person who will preserve the legacies we have built over the years emerges as the next PG.
Also, I shall be available to offer guidance and advice when necessary.
Am aware that some of them have indicated interest to become the next PG, they are all presentable but we know who is qualified to become the next PG, according to our constitution.
We learnt that eight people have come out to contest for the headship of the Union.
Who do you think is most suitable among them.
 It is only one of them who can become the next PG, the rest can go for Deputy PG, Treasurer and the like.
We have 12 elective offices in the union.
However, we are organized body.
We have our tradition of negotiations and compromise to ensure suitable candidates emerge from the for unions for all the 12 elective positions, including the PG.
But if anyone doesn’t want the special arrangement through which we negotiate the positions and decides to go to the poll, so be it.
We leave the person to go and test his popularity at the poll.
So there wouldn’t be imposition but the founding fathers of the union will speak.
 Do you have anointed candidate among those jostling to succeed you?
 We are unionists. We have our tradition as I have told you.
I can’t say whether I have anointed candidate or not but I must have a successor.
About the anointed, let God speak to me concerning that.
I am neutral as a father to study the situation.
But when it is time for us to sit down as a family, them we can speak.
As it is now, let them be playing their game.
But what is sacrosanct, what is my major concern is that whoever emerges as my successor should preserve my legacy which is the prayer of any leader.
I pray that whoever emerges will do better than me.
 What is your most challenging period during your tenure as the PG?
The most challenging time for me is when we had crisis with our former PG, Chief Ukammuna.
Several years when his tenure was cut short by government and Irabor took over, he still held that grudge against all his successors, including me to the extent that when I was to take over as the the PG in 2017, hell was let loose.
I believe it was his lieutenants who were manipulating himself to forment trouble.
For 23 years after he left unceremoniously, he was still bitter.
However, my happiest day was when he came to the Secretariat and we struck a truce. We were able to resolve the age- long rift and there was a reconciliation.
We have forgiven ourselves and become one large family.
 After the PG of MWUN, what next 
God takes care of that. He will direct me. He has always been my mentor.
Are you planning to become the President of the NLC now that you are the Vice President.
Let’s wait for His time
However, after my tenure as the PG, am still in the Port industry. I am a stakeholder and am still the VP of NLC, VP of ITF.
I only step down as PG of MWUN because my tenure expires in March.
I have an international office as the ITF VP, African Chairman, Executive member, ITF.
So am still around and busy.
Last Word
I want to thank the maritime press who have contributed to the success of my administration as the PG of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
I thank all other stakeholders for their support.
I want to say that our election doesn’t require external forces unlike the way it was before.
We have our mechanism we apply for the conference.
It is going to be a peaceful quadrennial Delegate conference devoid of crisis.
But we shall notify the government.
 Whoever wants to bring out what we have buried would be handed over to the authority to face the full wrath of the law.
Let me assure all the industry stakeholders that the elections will not bring crisis.
Whoever wants to bring trouble, we shall trouble them.
It is going to be a family election that will usher in the next executives that will build on our legacy of peace and industrial harmony.
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Customs

Customs buckles as it suspends implementation of 4 per cent FOB charge

Funso OLOJO 
In a manner demonstrative of a listening administration,the management of the Nigeria Customs service has suspended the implementation of the controversial 4 per cent Free on Board(FOB) charge on imports.
The suspension followed the outcry that greeted the implementation of the novel charge which importers and their agents said was jumped on them by the customs without notice nor consultation.
To allow enough time for stakeholders’ consultation and sensitization, the Customs said the suspension was sequel to the ongoing discussion with the Minister of Finance, Mr Adewale Edun.
In a press statement by the Customs management , the service disclosed that the timing of the suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).
” The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hereby announces the suspension of the
implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023.
“This is sequel to ongoing
consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun and other Stakeholders.
“This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.
“This presents an opportunity to
review our revenue framework holistically.
“Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs
modernisation efforts.
“The new Act addresses these
challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of
imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.
“This transition period will allow the Service to optimise the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s interests better.
“The Act further empowers the Service to modernise its operations through
various technological innovations.
“Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023 authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders.
“The Service is already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster clearance times and improved transparency.
“Other innovative solutions authorised
by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).
“The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with
stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for
sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.
 “The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate.
“We will communicate the revised implementation timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations” the service promised.
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Headlines

MARAN convenes public discourse on controversial ICTN among contending parties 

Funso OLOJO 
Following the controversies that have trailed the planned introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note, (ICTN), the Maritime Association of Nigeria, MARAN has disclosed that it is time to put the controversies to rest once and for all.
To this effect, the association, the leading maritime beat association in the industry, is set to organise an all important roundtable to examine all pertinent issues and controversies surrounding the concept and proffer lasting solutions.
The roundtable will bring together relevant players in the industry under one roof at the MARAN International Press Center in Apapa on Thursday, February  27, 2025 to dissect the subject – matter and point to the way forward.
Some of the key stakeholders expected at the event include Dr. Eugene Nweke of the Sea Empowerment and Research Center, SEREC, Dr. Segun Musa, Managing Director, Widescope Group will be on hand to deliver insightful address.
Other critical stakeholder expected at the event include Dr. Alban Igwe of the Importers Association of Nigeria and a representative from the Shippers’ Association Lagos State,SALS.
Two critical government agencies, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC who warehouses the ICTN, shall be delivering a paper on “Prospect And Challenges Of Proposed ICTN: NSC’s Perspective”, while the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, the former custodian of the project ,shall also be speaking on “Prospect And Challenges Of Proposed ICTN, NPA’s Perspective” on that day.
Speaking on the need for the roundtable, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, President, MARAN, disclosed that there is an urgent need to put the controversies surrounding the issue to rest once and for all
“Since the news of the planned reintroduction of the ICTN filtered out, there have been widespread controversies from both the protagonists and antagonists of the concept, with each divide justifying its position”, the MARAN President noted.
“It has been a subject that has polarized the maritime industry and as the leading maritime beat association in Nigeria and in furtherance of our advocacy role, MARAN has decided to bring all the contending players under one roof to settle this issue once and for all in order to move forward and develop our sector which is very critical to the nation’s economy”, Bivbere concluded.
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Headlines

Freight Forwarders call out NPA over duplication, illegal imposition of payment of ETO Call- up system fee on importers

Funso OLOJO
Freight Forwarders, under the egies of the Council of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agents(CMDLCA) has accused the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) of illegally imposing the payment of fees for the ETO Call- up system on importers and their agents.
The National President of the Association, Mr Lucky Ayis Amiwero, make this allegations in his petition to the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abdulahi Datsotho.
In the petition dated January 25th, 2025 and a copy each sent to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Presidential Enabling Business Environment committee(PEBEC) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Amiwero claimed that the payment of ETO Call- up system fees was not backed by any law.
He further submitted that the payment was a duplication as the importers and their agents have already paid for the service under the Port lease/ concession agreement as vehicle entry permit (VEP) and tenure parking rate(TPR) under maximum tariff for cargo due.
According to him ” ETO CALL-UP SYSTEM is not tied to any service on Import or Export for the processing of goods.
“it has no service that directly involves service to Importer/Licensed Customs Agents(LCA) but is an  infrastructure developed for the access of Transport in to the Port, as a result of faulty Port Lease/ Concession Agreement that exclude Trailer Park and Holding Bay  which clearly contravenes  Trade Facilitation Agreement(TFA)”
Amiwero said that it was the responsibility of the NPA to free flow of traffic in and out of the Port to facilitate trade and not that of the importers and their agents.
He said the agency has to do this with passing its financial implications to the importers and their agents.
” It is strictly Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA)  responsibility  to regulate Traffic, within the Limit of a Port or the approach to a Port  under Section  32-(a) .
“it is the legal responsibility of the authority(NPA) to provide for ease of access to the port , it is part of Nigerian Port infrastructure which is to facilitate trucks in to the Port.
“It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to regulate the Traffic and not that of the Licensed Customs Agents/Importer.
” The ETO CALL_UP system is an infrastructure that is owned and operated by NPA contractor to perform NPA function,   due to faulty lease agreement  which, initially excludes Trailer Parks and Holding bay from the Lease / Concession, Agreement ,creating the bottleneck and gridlock to Access the Port.
“The Lack  of legal framework to regulate the Economic interest in the Port, has given the Concerned Agencies in the Port, room to impose all  kind of illegal fees on the cargo interest without concern for Service tied to charges and who is responsible for  payment.
“This imposition makes our Ports one of the most expensive and unattractive within the sub-region with multiple charges, levies, fees which are not approved or  cargo related, just like the ETO- Call System introduced by NPA, that has no cargo  service tied to it, is clearly the responsibility of Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) in line with Section 32-(a) Regulating Traffic, within the limit of the port or approach to the Port”
Amiwero further claimed that ETO Call- up system is part of the development of the Port which falls under the functions of the NPA which is part of the infrastructural development for the movement of vehicles.
Consequent on this, the freight forwarder wanted the NPA to utilise part of the 7 per cent Port development levy collected from importers and their agents on import for the execution and sustenance of ETO Call- up system.
“7% surcharge is paid by Nigerian Importers through the Licensed Customs Agents (LCA) on every import collected since 1978 till date.
“Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) should utilize part of their 7% to provide for truck access to the  Port going to the Terminals, which is covered statutorily  under section 32-(a)”
He blamed the PBE and the NPA for leasing the existing holding bays for truck which has now resulted to traffic gridlock due to lack of space for trucks.
“The holding bay for trucks, that existed before  port concession agreement within and around the ports, was ceded out to Terminal Operators as well as Land space, without providing alternative.
“All such spaces were ceded to Terminal Operators, forcing the trucks owners to use the available Port access roads to hold empty containers and wait as holding bay awaiting access to the Port to load client consignment”
“Before the ceding of Port operation to Terminal Operator  in 2005, there was no such thing as Gridlock, each Port operated their Holding bay, where tucks wait to load their respective consignments in and out of the Ports.
“The Ports operated their holding bay and trailer parks as follows:
APAPA PORT: Holding bay are in the Port
TIN CAN ISLAND PORT: Its holding bay was at the front of the port
LILYPOND TERMINAL: Its holding bay was under the bridge in front of the Port
BRAWAL/PAN-ATLANTIC JETTY: its holding bay was in front of the Jetty and
TRAILER PARKS: was at Beger by Kirikiri Junction”
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