The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has raised an alarm over what it described as a rise in attacks on vessels while at berth, as contained in a statement on Wednesday obtained by The PUNCH.
This comes as the union accused port security agencies of neglecting their responsibilities.
The statement noted that MWUN President-General, Francis Bunu, made the remarks on Tuesday in Apapa, Lagos, while hosting members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, led by their President, Moses Ebosele, during a courtesy visit ahead of the planned Dockworkers Day 2026.
Bunu stated that some security agencies at the ports have failed to secure adequately port waters and waterfronts, warning that the trend could damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community.
The MWUN President-General said attacks on ships at berths are unacceptable in a regulated port environment.
According to him, the Marine Police are primarily responsible for the protection, safety, and security of vessels once they berth, as they are mandated to patrol and secure the waterfront.
“Why will a vessel berth and people come from across the water in their numbers to attack the vessel at the berth? These vessels are foreign-owned, and how do they want Nigeria to be viewed in the international community?” Bunu queried.
He lamented that such incidents indicate lapses in security coordination among relevant agencies, stressing that the situation must be addressed urgently.
“Somebody is certainly not doing their job. We cannot be having those attacks, and nothing is being done to stop them by the agency responsible,” he said.
Bunu therefore called for a strengthened security presence around port berths and waterfronts, warning that insecurity in such controlled areas raises deeper concerns about safety in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“If the berth is not secured, then what will happen on the high seas?” he asked.
He urged relevant security agencies and port authorities to review immediately surveillance and patrol mechanisms around port terminals to prevent further attacks and reassure international shipping operators of Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety.
Earlier, Ebosele commended Bunu for protecting members’ interests, adding that the visit forms part of preparations for the 2026 Dockworkers event organised by SCAN and solicited the support of maritime workers to make the event a huge success.
According to Ebosele, this year’s celebration will emphasise the importance of environmentally friendly practices and modern technologies in Nigeria’s seaports, reflecting the ongoing commitment to sustainability within the maritime industry.
Ebosele said this year’s theme, ‘Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers’, will guide discussions among major stakeholders in the maritime sector, including industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates.
“The green port initiative aims to enhance the environmental performance of seaports while maintaining their economic viability and supporting maritime trade,” Ebosele said.
He explained that participants will explore the achievements of dockworkers in sustaining the nation’s economy and outline pathways for enhancing their roles in the emerging green economy.
This is in the wake of a reported recent security breach at the Eko Support Terminal in Lagos, where unidentified assailants reportedly attacked a vessel while it was already berthed at the facility last week.
The incident, industry sources said, raised fresh concerns among ship operators and port users about the safety of vessels within Nigerian ports.
Stakeholders fear that repeated attacks at berths, areas that are supposed to be among the most secure sections of the port, could discourage international shipping lines and worsen the country’s maritime risk profile.
