Calabar Port Crisis Escalates as Dock Workers, Management Refuse to Back Down

DOCK WORKERS, MANAGEMENT AT CALABAR PORT IN BITTER DISPUTE.

A crisis is brewing at the Calabar Port as aggrieved dock workers and management engage in a heated battle over entitlements. The workers, who claim to have been deprived of their benefits for over 13 years, have denied allegations of being in court over the non-payment of their entitlements.

According to James Amok, Chairman of the aggrieved dock workers, a section of the workers broke away and filed a lawsuit against K Marine Limited, while nine others distanced themselves from the lawsuit, fearing a manipulative ruling from the court.

The workers had complained to the Committee on Public Petition at the House of Representatives in Abuja and served the office of the President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, and K Marine Limited, but have yet to receive a response.

The dispute has led to a stalemate, with the workers insisting they are not part of the lawsuit and demanding their entitlements. The situation has brought operations at the Calabar Port to a grinding halt, with no end in sight to the crisis.

This development has raised concerns about the welfare of the dock workers and the impact of the dispute on the port’s operations. As the standoff continues, stakeholders are calling for a resolution to the crisis to avoid further disruption to the port’s activities.

CALABAR PORT CRISIS: DOCK WORKERS, MANAGEMENT AT LOGGERHEADS

The crisis at the Calabar Port has taken a turn for the worse as dock workers and management remain at loggerheads over entitlements. The workers, who have been deprived of their benefits for over 13 years, are demanding justice and fair treatment.

Despite efforts to resolve the dispute, the situation remains volatile, with both sides refusing to back down. The workers have accused management of neglecting their welfare and denying them their rightful entitlements.

“We have been patient for too long,” said James Amok, Chairman of the aggrieved dock workers. “We will not rest until our entitlements are paid and our rights are respected.”

Management, on the other hand, claims that the workers’ demands are unreasonable and that they have done everything possible to address their concerns.

“We have tried to engage with the workers and find a solution,” said a management spokesperson. “But they refuse to listen and are determined to disrupt port operations.”

The crisis has already started to affect port activities, with ships waiting for days to be unloaded. If the situation is not resolved quickly, it could have serious consequences for the economy.

STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

As the crisis at the Calabar Port continues to escalate, stakeholders are calling for government intervention to resolve the dispute.

“The government needs to step in and find a solution to this crisis,” said a stakeholder. “The port is a critical part of our economy, and we cannot afford to have it shut down.”

The government has yet to respond to the calls for intervention, but it is clear that something needs to be done to resolve the dispute and get the port back to normal operations.

WORKERS VOW TO CONTINUE PROTEST

The dock workers have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met. They have set up a barricade at the port entrance, preventing ships from entering or leaving.

“We will not back down until our entitlements are paid,” said Amok. “We are prepared to stay here for as long as it takes.”

The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to budge. It remains to be seen how the crisis will be resolved and when normal operations will resume at the Calabar Port.