By Joy Enamuna

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced the suspension of its planned three-day service withdrawal over concerns regarding the activities of the Lagos State Committee on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles and the Special Traffic Enforcement Team in Apapa.

In a statement signed by MWUN President-General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the union confirmed that the decision to suspend the strike was reached after extensive consultations and discussions with relevant stakeholders.

“We hereby inform our members nationwide, as well as the authorities and the general public, that the previously announced service withdrawal is suspended pending the outcome of our discussions with the Lagos State Government,” the statement read.

The union urged its members to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily business operations while negotiations are ongoing.

Prior to this, MWUN had issued a letter dated February 24, 2025, in which it condemned what it described as exploitative actions by the Lagos State Committee on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles and the Special Traffic Management and Enforcement Team. The union highlighted instances of harassment, intimidation, and excessive penalty charges imposed on haulage truck operators using the Apapa and Tin Can Ports access roads.

MWUN acknowledged the swift response from the Lagos State Government, which promptly initiated dialogue to address the issue.

The union also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies that have stepped in to facilitate discussions aimed at finding a lasting solution.