…Urges tighter security at Quay Aprons
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria has raised concerns over increasing cases of theft at quay aprons in seaports across Lagos, warning that the trend poses a threat to maritime operations and safety.
President-General of MWUN, Francis Bunu, expressed alarm following a recent incident involving the vessel MV ZY JU HE at Eko Support Services in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bunu described the incident as a serious security lapse, revealing that about five tins of paint and a mobile phone belonging to a crew member were stolen from the vessel.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the suspects gained access to the ship without using a ladder, while poor lighting around the paint store area may have aided the operation by limiting visibility.
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According to him, although onboard security personnel raised an alarm by blowing whistles, the response was insufficient to deter the attackers.
“The situation at quay aprons has become porous. Thieves now easily access vessels and cart away valuable materials, including maintenance items and personal belongings of crew members,” Bunu said.
He added that the suspects eventually threw the stolen items into the sea before fleeing, jumping overboard and escaping in a speedboat after the vessel’s alarm system was activated.
The union leader called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy, to intensify surveillance and improve response mechanisms within port environments.
He stressed the need for enhanced vigilance to safeguard lives, cargo and critical maritime infrastructure, warning that persistent security breaches could damage Nigeria’s reputation as a safe destination for shipping and trade.
Bunu further urged authorities to ensure adequate lighting and strengthen monitoring systems at quay aprons to prevent future incidents.
He cautioned that failure to address the growing security gaps could negatively impact maritime business activities and discourage investment in the sector.
