LAGOS — The newly inaugurated Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria has commended its Legal Adviser, Dr Iwowo Anthony, for his role in securing the registration of the union after a prolonged process.
The commendation came on Wednesday in Lagos during the inauguration of the union’s national officers, which was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, organised labour and stakeholders in the maritime, transport and logistics sectors.
The union’s National President, Comrade Adeyemi Bamidele, described the registration of the body as a significant milestone and acknowledged the professional contribution of Iwowo, whose legal services, he said, contributed immensely to the process.
Bamidele said the union was officially registered on July 27, 2026, under the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
He said the certificate of registration represented more than formal recognition, as it provided the legal foundation for wharf truck owners to organise, represent and advance their legitimate interests within the Nigerian economy.
The president expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other government authorities for ensuring that the registration process was completed in accordance with the law.
He,
however, singled out Dr Iwowo Anthony for special commendation for his professional commitment to the union’s registration.
Bamidele said the union’s emergence would provide a unified platform for operators who had for years faced challenges individually, particularly in the areas of port logistics, cargo evacuation and transportation of raw materials and allied products.
He described wharf truck owners as critical players in the maritime and logistics chain, noting that inefficiencies in cargo evacuation could have consequences for businesses and the wider economy.
The union president called for greater consultation between government and legitimate representatives of wharf truck owners in the formulation of policies affecting the sector.
He pledged that the union would promote professionalism, discipline and improved working conditions, while maintaining constructive relationships with government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders and other stakeholders.
Bamidele also pledged that the union would oppose injustice, touting and extortion, but stressed that it would pursue members’ interests within the law.
“Our commitment to defending the interests of our members shall never be an excuse for lawlessness,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, represented by the Director of Trade Union and Industrial Relations, Amos Falonipe, charged the new union to build on its registration by promoting industrial harmony and dialogue.
Dingyadi said the union should see government and employers as partners rather than adversaries.
“We are not registered to fight anybody. We are not registered to fight our stakeholders. We are registered to work together as partners in progress,” he said.
He urged the union’s leaders to understand the Trade Unions Act and their constitution, maintain proper records, ensure financial transparency and conduct elections in accordance with established procedures.
The minister also tasked the union with expanding its membership and ensuring that its accounts were properly maintained and audited annually.
The newly inaugurated national officers include Bamidele, National President; Yekeen Olawale Rilwan, Deputy President; Alli Mohamed, Vice President; Prince Adeniji Olisola, General Secretary; Gbadebo Michael, Assistant General Secretary; Alhaji Awolola Saheed, Treasurer; Lawal Shina, Financial Secretary; Okelola Omogbolahan John, Publicity Secretary/Public Relations Officer; Olowokere Muyudeen, Welfare Officer; and Adeshina Saheed, Organising Secretary.
The Ex-Officio members are Aderoju Tobiloba, Afeez Olalekan and Agoro Salam.
Bamidele said the leadership would work to justify the confidence reposed in it by members and build a credible union capable of contributing to the development of Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors.
