The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised alarm over what it described as increasing cases of theft at quay aprons within seaports in Lagos, warning that the trend poses a threat to safety and port operations.
The union expressed concern following a recent security breach aboard a vessel, MV ZY JU HE, at Eko Support Services in the early hours of Sunday.
According to information made available to the union, the incident occurred at about 04:00 hrs, when unidentified persons reportedly boarded the vessel and removed five tins of paint from the aft store, along with a mobile phone belonging to a crew member.
Preliminary observations indicated that the perpetrators did not gain access to the vessel using a ladder. It was also noted that lighting around the paint store was inadequate, resulting in poor visibility that may have aided the operation.
Security personnel on board were said to have raised an alarm and blown whistles, but their efforts were reportedly not loud enough to attract immediate intervention. The suspects, upon detection, allegedly threw the stolen items into the sea and escaped via a speedboat after jumping overboard when the vessel’s alarm system was activated.
Reacting to the development, President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu described the situation as unacceptable, lamenting that security at port quay aprons had become “porous”, thereby enabling criminal elements to access vessels with ease and cart away valuable items.
He warned that the persistence of such incidents could damage the reputation of Nigerian seaports and discourage business activities.
The union leader called on relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy, to intensify surveillance and strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property within port facilities.
MWUN further urged authorities to ensure that port environments, particularly quay aprons, are adequately secured to support the smooth day-to-day running of maritime business.
The union maintained that urgent steps must be taken to prevent Nigerian ports from being perceived as unsafe for commercial operations.