The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Francis Bunu, has announced that the payment process for retired seafarers is currently 85% complete. This follows persistent efforts to ensure that the pensions of retired seafarers, particularly those who served in the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), are disbursed without further delay.
Bunu made the disclosure while addressing a group of retired seafarers in Apapa, Lagos, on Friday. The gathering included more than 60 retirees, who have expressed concerns over the slow pace of pension payments. These seafarers, many of whom worked with the NNSL, have been waiting for their pensions for an extended period, despite the completion of a screening and verification exercise conducted last year.
In his address, Bunu reassured the retirees that the government was committed to ensuring they receive their dues. “The payment process is almost complete, with 85% already concluded. The Ministry of Finance will soon ensure that the retired sailors are paid their entitlements,” Bunu stated.
The union president further confirmed that a meeting would be held with national officers and branch executives to engage the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and push for the immediate release of the funds. He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor in facilitating the successful verification process and reiterated that the current leadership would continue to advocate for the retirees until the disbursements are made.
Sunday Avoseh, the President of the Seamen and Water Transport Branch of MWUN, revealed that discussions had already begun on how best to engage with the finance minister to expedite the disbursement process. Avoseh assured the retirees that their pensions and entitlements would be paid soon, emphasizing that the union has been instrumental in pushing for the funds to be released.
Despite these assurances, the retirees voiced their frustrations over the delay in receiving their pensions, noting that many of their peers have died due to poor health and the inability to afford medical treatment. Over the past two weeks, at least 22 former seafarers have passed away, and two of those present at the meeting were reported to have lost their sight due to a lack of funds for medical care.
Some of the retired seafarers expressed disappointment with the government’s failure to honor its promise made in 2024, particularly as they had been led to believe that payment would be forthcoming shortly after the verification process. They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance to release the funds by the end of April 2025.
In the midst of their grievances, the retirees passed a vote of confidence in MWUN President-General Francis Bunu, commending his dedication to the welfare of seafarers and his extensive experience in the maritime industry. They urged him to continue advocating for their cause and to push for the immediate payment of their pensions.
The retirees expressed their hope that, with Bunu leading the charge, their long-standing issues would finally be addressed, and their dues paid in full.