Maritime Workers Threaten Shutdown Over Poor Roads

The Maritime Workers Union Of Nigeria, alongside the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents and other stakeholders at Onne Port, has threatened to shut down operations at the port in Rivers State due to the deteriorating state of internal roads and the imposition of E-Call Up levies on trucks. Uche Ogbu, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union Of Nigeria, Eastern Port, announced a four-day ultimatum to the federal government during a joint news conference on Wednesday.

He stated that the poor condition of the roads and the chaotic arrangement for E-Call Up levies are severely impacting business operations and posing safety risks. Ogbu accused the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) of failing to provide necessary loading bays for trucks and highlighted that the NPA claims it lacks the budget to address infrastructure issues.

The ultimatum expires on July 17th, after which the union plans to halt operations and stop E-Call Up processes.