MWUN Shipping Branch Meets WACT Management in Onne, Seeks Stronger Labour-Industry Cooperation

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Shipping Branch, has moved to deepen ties with the West African Container Terminal in Onne, Rivers State, during a familiarisation visit led by its new district executive.

The visit took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and was presented by union leaders as part of the new administration’s policy direction under District Chairman, Comrade Raymond Nwawueze. He said the branch is focused on broadening existing institutional relationships so members and shipping company management can work with stronger coordination.

Speaking during the engagement, Nwawueze commended WACT’s management, led by Managing Director Mr Jeethu Jose, for committing $115 million to the Onne Terminal Upgrade Project. He said the investment has supported the acquisition of modern equipment and strengthened the terminal’s position as a major logistics and maritime gateway in eastern Nigeria.

He also praised the terminal’s corporate social responsibility record, citing employment opportunities, empowerment efforts and social amenities that have touched surrounding communities. According to him, the union wants sustained engagement that protects industrial harmony while also improving operating conditions for workers.

"Today is a special day for us at the shipping branch district of the maritime workers union. This visit has accorded us a great opportunity to interact with the management, and we can’t take it for granted," Nwawueze said.

He added, "We are here to officially introduce the new executive of the MWUN District Shipping branch to your management. Though some of us are not new here, we’re here purposely to widen an already established relationship and make it better."

Beyond relationship building, the district chairman used the meeting to notify WACT of upcoming unit elections in the branch and asked for logistics and security support around the process.

Responding on behalf of the terminal’s leadership, WACT Managing Director Mr Jeethu Jose, represented by Head of Human Resources Mrs Uzoma Ben-Ude, thanked the union for the visit and described the interaction as a sign of a healthy labour-management climate.

Jose said WACT would maintain and improve cooperation with organised labour at the terminal. "WACT is a union-friendly organisation. We shall continue the existing relationship and improve and leverage it," he said.

He stressed that sustained communication remains central to workplace stability and operational performance. "Relationship is not a one-off thing," Jose said, adding that management sees the union as a key channel for engaging workers.

He also reminded union officials and members to uphold safety standards and standard operating procedures across terminal activities, while assuring them that support would be provided when required.

The meeting was attended by senior personnel from both sides, including Head of Business Partner, WACT, Mrs Chinelo Obienyem; People Function representative Mrs Nengi Somiara; Operations Manager Mr Fanick Atchia; Vice Chairman of MWUN District Shipping Branch, Comrade Gordons Braid; District Secretary Comrade Asito; Treasurer Comrade Paul Otogboro; NEC member Comrade Godfrey Nkpornwi; and Comrade Ebere Akagha, among others.

The engagement reflects ongoing efforts in Nigeria’s maritime sector to pair infrastructure investment with labour stability, as operators and unions seek to improve port efficiency, workforce safety and long-term industrial cooperation.