In a major development for Nigeria’s shipping industry, maritime workers will now earn a minimum wage of N200,000. This new rate comes after almost 20 years of negotiations between the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the shipping companies, represented by the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing, and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA).

The breakthrough agreement was facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), which played a key role in bringing both sides together. This new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) sets a new standard for wages and benefits in the industry.

During the signing ceremony held in Lagos, Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN), President of SACFEA, emphasized that these updated minimum wage and working conditions are now the highest in any industry across Nigeria. This significant step is expected to improve the working conditions and morale of maritime workers throughout the country.

She said:

“The most significant thing is that in setting a minimum standard for the shipping industry, we have gone above and beyond any other industry in Nigeria. The national minimum wage is N70,000 and we know what it took to get the Federal Government to get to that point.

“By the agreement we have signed today, our minimum wage is N200,000. It is almost triple the national minimum wage.”