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“Vicky Haastrup, pay us our money” – Nigerian dockworkers cry out over unpaid entitlements
The Nigerian dockworkers have taken to the Igbosere Court of Appeal to voice their grievances over unpaid salaries and pension arrears and what they described as exploitative leadership within the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
The Bureau of African Labour, Human and Democratic Rights (BALHADER) called out ENL Limited over its failure to remit pensions for over 10 years, which have led to tensions between dockworkers and terminal operators.
Over 5,000 members of MWUN, who were allegedly unlawfully removed from the nation’s seaports, participated in the protest, carrying banners with inscriptions such as: “Vicky Haastrup, the Executive Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, pay our money.” Another read: “Say no to slavery in Nigeria’s seaports (Dockworkers).” Protesters also decried the non-payment of their five-year unremitted pension, stating that they have been pleading with the Nigerian government since 2016 to intervene in the matter.
Comrade Afolabi, one of the affected workers, explained that over 700 dockworkers were sacked between 2008 and 2013. The legal case began in 2016, with the National Industrial Court ruling in favour of the workers. However, ENL filed a stay of execution for five years before appealing the judgment in October 2024.
Comrade Amos Olatunji Peters expressed his grievance: “We are asking the Court of Appeal to compel ENL to pay our colleagues what is due to them.”
The dockworkers’ demands include:
Yearly Terminal Benefit: Each worker was entitled to ₦350,000 per year, but ENL allegedly paid only one year, leaving a deficit of ₦3,150,000 per worker.
AP Moller’s Unpaid Benefits: In 2008, AP Moller reportedly dismissed 546 dockworkers without terminal benefits or pensions.
Comrade Bernard Lobito, a recently retired dockworker from the Sifax Group Container Terminal, expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
“I worked as a dockworker for over 28 years, including 12 years with Sifax Group, yet I was treated as a modern-day slave. Core dockworkers earn stipends of about N70,000 or N50,000, while stevedore managers and administrative staff receive far higher salaries. My retirement payoff was greatly lower than that of an administrative retiree from the same company.”
The Chairman of the Over 5000 MWUN group shared his high hopes about forthcoming changes, stating that by the end of March 2025, a new worker-oriented leadership will take over the union to prioritize workers’ welfare.
The dockworkers also cited a legal battle, where 580 sacked workers are challenging their dismissal by ENL Consortium at the court.
Comrade Uchenna Uzoije, Programme Director of BALHADER, warned of great consequences if the Nigerian government ignores statements from the International Dockworkers Council regarding the mistreatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
“The presidency must act swiftly to restore legitimacy to MWUN by ensuring a caretaker committee takes charge by March 2025,” he stated.
Dockworkers also lamented the stark wage disparity between Nigerian and international workers. According to them, professional dockworkers in the U.S. and Europe earn between $85,000 to $120,000 annually, while those in South Africa and North Africa earn approximately $60,000.
However, Nigerian dockworkers are paid in meager naira amounts despite the fact that seaport transactions are conducted in dollars.
Comrade Yomi Adeoti accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of collaborating with MWUN leadership to deny him compensation for an injury sustained while working onboard the vessel Invincible IMO. “BALHADER wrote to the International Labour Organization (ILO) on my behalf, and they responded by requesting NLC’s intervention. However, NLC falsely claimed that I never sustained any injury and denied knowing BALHADER,” Adeoti alleged, adding that he remains uncompensated to date.
It was also revealed from the protest that there is shortfall in severance payments for dockworkers who were disengaged in 2006. According to Comrade Haruna Muktari, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Adebayo Sarunmi, had initially approved N586,000 per dockworker from the World Bank’s $100 million privatization support fund. However, only N200,000 was disbursed to each worker, leaving a deficit of N4.7 billion.
Comrade Aliu Mohammed, speaking on behalf of disengaged POOL Dockworkers, accused the NPA of inefficiency.
He noted that in 2019, after four years of being left without work, the 1,685 affected tally clerks and onboard security personnel were forced to accept a paltry N400,000 as full severance. “The Federal Government initially approved N3.4 billion for our severance but later claimed the amount was reduced to N1.84 billion. To this day, many of us have not received our severance pay despite serving for over 35 years.”
Comrade Essien, one of the dockworkers, alleged a large number of pension underpayments:
“The least dockworker earned ₦120,000 per month. Over 10 years, my pension should be ₦14.4 million, yet ENL is offering just ₦200,000.”
Furthermore,
Comrade Monday Young Jack, a 34-year professional crane operator, accused ENL of underpaying his pension:
“I earned ₦150,000 per month. My pension should be ₦1.8 million over 10 years, but they insist I accept ₦200,000.”
Dockworkers claim that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) leadership has been hijacked by non-dockworkers, led by Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.
“The union manipulated processes, labeled us criminals, and influenced regulatory bodies against us,” said Comrade Bruce Ikodina.
Comrade Ola Muibi also recounted an attack at Ikeja Magistrate Court on February 27, 2015:
“Comrade Adewale Adeyanju stormed the court with thugs and beat me unconscious. Sahara Reporters captured me in a pool of blood.”
The International Dockworkers Council (IDC) has condemned the alleged mistreatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
The Nigerian dockworkers have taken to the Igbosere Court of Appeal to voice their grievances over unpaid salaries and pension arrears and what they described as exploitative leadership within the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
The Bureau of African Labour, Human and Democratic Rights (BALHADER) called out ENL Limited over its failure to remit pensions for over 10 years, which have led to tensions between dockworkers and terminal operators.
Over 5,000 members of MWUN, who were allegedly unlawfully removed from the nation’s seaports, participated in the protest, carrying banners with inscriptions such as: “Vicky Haastrup, the Executive Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, pay our money.” Another read: “Say no to slavery in Nigeria’s seaports (Dockworkers).” Protesters also decried the non-payment of their five-year unremitted pension, stating that they have been pleading with the Nigerian government since 2016 to intervene in the matter.
Comrade Afolabi, one of the affected workers, explained that over 700 dockworkers were sacked between 2008 and 2013. The legal case began in 2016, with the National Industrial Court ruling in favour of the workers. However, ENL filed a stay of execution for five years before appealing the judgment in October 2024.
Comrade Amos Olatunji Peters expressed his grievance: “We are asking the Court of Appeal to compel ENL to pay our colleagues what is due to them.”
The dockworkers’ demands include:
Yearly Terminal Benefit: Each worker was entitled to ₦350,000 per year, but ENL allegedly paid only one year, leaving a deficit of ₦3,150,000 per worker.
AP Moller’s Unpaid Benefits: In 2008, AP Moller reportedly dismissed 546 dockworkers without terminal benefits or pensions.
Comrade Bernard Lobito, a recently retired dockworker from the Sifax Group Container Terminal, expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
“I worked as a dockworker for over 28 years, including 12 years with Sifax Group, yet I was treated as a modern-day slave. Core dockworkers earn stipends of about N70,000 or N50,000, while stevedore managers and administrative staff receive far higher salaries. My retirement payoff was greatly lower than that of an administrative retiree from the same company.”
The Chairman of the Over 5000 MWUN group shared his high hopes about forthcoming changes, stating that by the end of March 2025, a new worker-oriented leadership will take over the union to prioritize workers’ welfare.
The dockworkers also cited a legal battle, where 580 sacked workers are challenging their dismissal by ENL Consortium at the court.
Comrade Uchenna Uzoije, Programme Director of BALHADER, warned of great consequences if the Nigerian government ignores statements from the International Dockworkers Council regarding the mistreatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
“The presidency must act swiftly to restore legitimacy to MWUN by ensuring a caretaker committee takes charge by March 2025,” he stated.
Dockworkers also lamented the stark wage disparity between Nigerian and international workers. According to them, professional dockworkers in the U.S. and Europe earn between $85,000 to $120,000 annually, while those in South Africa and North Africa earn approximately $60,000.
However, Nigerian dockworkers are paid in meager naira amounts despite the fact that seaport transactions are conducted in dollars.
Comrade Yomi Adeoti accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of collaborating with MWUN leadership to deny him compensation for an injury sustained while working onboard the vessel Invincible IMO. “BALHADER wrote to the International Labour Organization (ILO) on my behalf, and they responded by requesting NLC’s intervention. However, NLC falsely claimed that I never sustained any injury and denied knowing BALHADER,” Adeoti alleged, adding that he remains uncompensated to date.
It was also revealed from the protest that there is shortfall in severance payments for dockworkers who were disengaged in 2006. According to Comrade Haruna Muktari, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Adebayo Sarunmi, had initially approved N586,000 per dockworker from the World Bank’s $100 million privatization support fund. However, only N200,000 was disbursed to each worker, leaving a deficit of N4.7 billion.
Comrade Aliu Mohammed, speaking on behalf of disengaged POOL Dockworkers, accused the NPA of inefficiency.
He noted that in 2019, after four years of being left without work, the 1,685 affected tally clerks and onboard security personnel were forced to accept a paltry N400,000 as full severance. “The Federal Government initially approved N3.4 billion for our severance but later claimed the amount was reduced to N1.84 billion. To this day, many of us have not received our severance pay despite serving for over 35 years.”
Comrade Essien, one of the dockworkers, alleged a large number of pension underpayments:
“The least dockworker earned ₦120,000 per month. Over 10 years, my pension should be ₦14.4 million, yet ENL is offering just ₦200,000.”
Furthermore,
Comrade Monday Young Jack, a 34-year professional crane operator, accused ENL of underpaying his pension:
“I earned ₦150,000 per month. My pension should be ₦1.8 million over 10 years, but they insist I accept ₦200,000.”
Dockworkers claim that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) leadership has been hijacked by non-dockworkers, led by Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.
“The union manipulated processes, labeled us criminals, and influenced regulatory bodies against us,” said Comrade Bruce Ikodina.
Comrade Ola Muibi also recounted an attack at Ikeja Magistrate Court on February 27, 2015:
“Comrade Adewale Adeyanju stormed the court with thugs and beat me unconscious. Sahara Reporters captured me in a pool of blood.”
The International Dockworkers Council (IDC) has condemned the alleged mistreatment of Nigerian dockworkers.
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Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel in Lagos
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m.
Count one reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED between April 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebut of R28 Holdings Limited to deposit the total sum of S1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars USD) as investment described as to wit: “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited; Business Development Cost in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited: Capital and or Capital Call in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited” on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be; (a) reimbursed the investment amount (b) paid a Development Capital fee of $2 250,000.00. (Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) (c) 22.4% worth of shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited which representation you knew to be false.”
Count two reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL, sometime between April 2022 and April 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a document to wit: TERM SHEET and purporting same to have been executed by Sherrif Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi in order to facilitate your obtaining money by inducement from Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him.
Following the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, pending the conclusion of its investigation.
Sonoiki also narrated how the defence counsel, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, had physically assaulted his colleague, Emenike Mgbemele, at the sitting on March 2, 2026.
According to him, “My lord, the learned silk, physically assaulted my colleague on the staircase on his way to serve the defendant the charge as directed by the court.
“There is a video to that effect and we intend to tender it before the court.”
Though Awonuga did not respond to the allegation made against him by the prosecution counsel, he informed the court of a preliminary objection and a written address dated January 5, 2026, while urging the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit of the prosecution.
The prosecution, in a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit dated February 9, 2026, had urged the court to dismiss the notice of preliminary objections.
According to Awonuga, the Federal High Court, in a ruling, had ordered the EFCC not to arrest the defendant.
“EFCC has flouted the order by arresting the defendant and I hereby urge your lordship to discountenance their counter- affidavit,” he said.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, said that the ruling was part of the motion that had earlier been withdrawn by the defence and should not be before the court.
“ There is nowhere in the ruling that says the defendants cannot be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“My lord, the ruling was delivered in a civil case; and according to the Supreme Court, a criminal case and civil case can go on at the same time.
“We urge the court to dismiss the application and order accelerated hearing in this case,” Sonoiki had said.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada had, consequently, adjourned the case till May 7, 2026 ( today) for ruling.
Ruling on the application , Justice Dada held that: “The preliminary objection is baseless and the entire application is lacking in merit; and it is hereby dismissed.”
Also, Justice Dada, in her ruling on the bail application of the defendant, held that “On the basis of considering the antecedent of the defendant for not honouring the invitation of the applicant after he was granted administrative bail, I agree with the complainant that he is a flight risk; therefore, bail is refused.”
Justice Dada adjourned the case till June 24, 26, 29 and 30, 2026 for the commencement of trial.
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
ABEOKUTA — A frontline aspirant for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, popularly known as Shoffi, has dismissed widespread speculations that he has withdrawn from the race in favour of another aspirant .
Sofela described the reports making rounds in some political circles as “false, misleading and the handiwork of political detractors,” insisting that he remains fully committed to his ambition of representing Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, the APC stalwart urged his supporters, political associates and loyalists across the six local government areas that make up Ogun Central to disregard the rumours and remain resolute in their support for his aspiration.
According to him, there has never been any agreement or arrangement for him to step down for any aspirant to emerge as a consensus candidate of the party.
“I want to categorically state that I have not stepped down for anyone in the Ogun Central Senatorial race. The rumours flying around are entirely false and should be ignored by all my supporters and members of the public,” he said.
Sofela expressed confidence in his chances of securing the APC ticket, stressing that his popularity, political experience and grassroots connection across the district place him in a strong position ahead of the party primaries.
The senatorial hopeful reiterated his determination to provide quality representation for the people of Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas if elected into the Senate in 2027.
He noted that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun Central through effective legislation, empowerment programmes and people-oriented policies.
“My ambition is rooted in service to the people. I remain committed to the vision of giving Ogun Central a strong voice in the Senate and facilitating developmental initiatives that will positively impact our people,” Sofela added.
The APC chieftain further appealed to party members to remain united and avoid distractions capable of causing division within the party structure ahead of future political activities.
Political observers in the state believe the race for Ogun Central Senatorial seat is gradually gathering momentum as aspirants continue consultations and grassroots mobilization across the district ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Ogun State, conversations across the six local government areas that make up the Ogun Central Senatorial District are increasingly revolving around one name — Emmanuel Adebola Sofela.
From Abeokuta South to Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro, party leaders, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers within the All Progressives Congress have continued to speak glowingly about the philanthropist and political figure whose growing popularity is being linked to years of humanitarian service, youth empowerment and unwavering accessibility to ordinary citizens.
During a recent round of consultations and visits to leaders of the APC across the district, testimonies about Sofela’s contributions to humanity dominated discussions, as party faithful described him as “a bridge builder,” “a dependable grassroots politician,” and “the transformation agent Ogun Central desperately needs.”
According to several party elders and community leaders, Sofela’s antecedents in empowering youths and supporting less privileged individuals have set him apart from others jostling for the senatorial ticket under the APC platform.
Many of the leaders recalled numerous instances where students from financially disadvantaged homes benefited from educational grants and scholarship support facilitated by Sofela, while unemployed youths across communities were assisted with vocational opportunities and startup support to improve their livelihoods.
A party leader in Abeokuta North, who spoke during the consultation meeting, noted that Sofela’s style of politics differs significantly from what many residents have become accustomed to over the years.
“Politics should be about service, accessibility and genuine concern for the people. Emmanuel Adebola Sofela has consistently demonstrated these qualities long before seeking public office. He is always reachable and willing to help,” the leader stated.
Similar sentiments echoed across Odeda and Obafemi-Owode, where stakeholders praised his commitment to grassroots development and his consistent engagement with party members at all levels.
In Ifo and Ewekoro, community representatives described him as a leader with intellectual depth, administrative capacity and a clear understanding of the developmental needs of Ogun Central.
One of the speakers at the gathering remarked that Sofela possesses “an intellectual confidence beyond comprehension,” adding that his ability to engage on issues of governance, empowerment and policy distinguishes him from many contemporary politicians.
Observers within the APC believe that Sofela’s growing acceptance among party leaders and ordinary residents is largely connected to his long-standing relationship with the grassroots and his reputation for extending financial support to widows, artisans, market women and struggling families within and outside Ogun State.
Political analysts also argue that his emergence could reshape representation within Ogun Central, especially at a time when many constituents are demanding more responsive and people-oriented leadership.
For many party loyalists, the recurring theme during the consultations was clear: the desire for a representative who understands the pains of the people and possesses both the compassion and competence to drive meaningful change.
As internal consultations continue within the APC ahead of future political contests, supporters of Emmanuel Adebola Sofela insist that his track record of empowerment, accessibility and community engagement positions him as a strong contender capable of redefining representation in Ogun Central Senatorial District.
He is working hard to ensure the growing endorsements from party leaders across the district eventually translate into political victory in emerging as the APC candidate for ogun central senatorial district .one things that is increasingly evident — Emmanuel Adebola Sofela has become a prominent voice in the evolving political conversation shaping the future of Ogun Central.
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