The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Francis Bunu, has accused security agencies operating within Lagos ports of failing in their responsibilities following a rise in attacks on vessels already berted at port facilities.
Bunu warned that the incidents could damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen security along port waters and waterfronts.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration. According to him, attacks on ships at berth are unacceptable in a regulated port environment.
The labour leader specifically identified the Marine Police as primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and security of vessels once they are berthed, noting that the agency is mandated to patrol and secure the waterfront.
“Why will a vessel berth and people will come from across the water in their numbers to attack the vessel at the berth?” he asked, stressing that most of the affected ships are foreign-owned and that such incidents could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s port system.
Bunu said the attacks point to lapses in coordination among security agencies assigned to protect port infrastructure and maritime operations.
“Somebody is certainly not doing their job. We can’t be having those attacks and nothing is being done to stop them by the agency responsible,” he said.
His concerns follow a recent security breach at the Eko Support Terminal in Lagos, where unidentified intruders reportedly attacked a vessel shortly after it berthed at the facility last week.
Industry sources said the incident has heightened concerns among ship operators and port users about the safety of vessels within Nigerian ports, with stakeholders urging authorities to strengthen surveillance and enforcement across waterfront areas.
