By Bon Peters
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Haulage District, Eastern Zone, Onne, Rivers State, staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday, November 17, 2025, to counter what it described as malicious and unfounded allegations of extortion and poor welfare leveled against the union by a breakaway group within the trucking community.
The protest, which began at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Roundabout with a motorcade, moved through the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) and ended at the Notore Roundabout. Protesters—mostly dressed in white union attire—sang solidarity songs and danced as residents watched.
Speaking at the FLT Gate of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Onne Complex, MWUN leaders said the protest became necessary to correct claims made by the Active Containers and Cargo Truck Drivers Association, which accused MWUN of colluding with NPA to impose multiple taxation, extort drivers, and neglect their welfare.
The Executive Chairman of MWUN Haulage District, Eastern Ports, Comrade Ugwu Adolphus, described the allegations as baseless.
“Our purpose here today is to put the record straight and debunk insinuations spreading on social media that MWUN connived with NPA to defraud drivers through the E-Call Up system,” he said.
He maintained that the union has no hand in extortion and emphasized that all union dues—ranging from N5,000 to N10,000—are fully receipted and uniform across the country.
On the introduction of the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, popularly known as the E-Call Up, Ugwu said the leadership had initially raised concerns with NPA, arguing that Onne Port had minimal congestion and did not require the system.
“When the authorities insisted, we had no power to stop a federal government directive,” he said. “Some individuals approached me to stop it, but I told them clearly that our influence does not extend to overriding government policy.”
He also rejected claims of poor welfare, stating: “Our members receive medical care, we support hospital bills, provide dignified burials, and care for members with permanent disabilities. Anyone claiming neglect should bring proof.”
Comrade Ugwu described the allegations as an attempt to tarnish the union’s reputation because of the E-Call Up rollout, stressing that MWUN plays no role in administering the system.
Also speaking, Comrade Uche Ogbu, Chairman of the Truck Owners Unit of MWUN, said the union stands on integrity and responsibility, adding that it has negotiated substantial haulage fares for drivers in the Eastern Zone.
He said the E-Call Up is a government initiative and cannot be stopped by any union, adding that Onne currently pays about N15,000 per truck—significantly lower than rates in Lagos.
Ogbu criticized those “causing confusion,” insisting they were trying to weaken the union but would not succeed.
The union’s Unit Secretary, Comrade Casmir Anukanti, said part of the protest was to pass a vote of confidence in the Ugwu-led administration. According to him, “No one can diminish his achievements through blackmail.”
During the march, protesters met with NPA Traffic Manager, Mr. Surajudeen Abolade, who represented the Onne Port Manager, Mr. Abdulramon Hussain. Abolade assured the union that NPA remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment and promised to relay their message to the Port Manager. He also urged them to maintain peace to avoid disrupting port operations.
Some truck drivers who spoke with journalists condemned the allegations against MWUN as false and ungrateful. They insisted that any driver claiming the union has neglected them must provide evidence.
They further warned those spreading misinformation to desist from “cheap blackmail” and focus on productive engagements.