The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, has raised concerns over growing attacks on vessels berthed at Lagos ports, blaming security agencies for failing to secure port waters and waterfronts.
Bunu specifically called out the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police unit of the Nigeria Police Force for lapses in duty, warning that continued incidents could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime sector. He stressed that such attacks on foreign-owned ships at berth are unacceptable in a regulated port environment and indicate gaps in security coordination among relevant agencies.
“Why will a vessel berth and people come across the water to attack it?” Bunu questioned, highlighting the potential negative perception for Nigeria internationally.
His remarks follow a recent attack at the Eko Support Terminal in Lagos, where unidentified assailants reportedly targeted a vessel while it was docked, raising fresh concerns among shipping operators and port users about vessel safety within Nigerian ports.
Bunu urged an increased security presence at port berths and waterfronts, emphasizing that insecurity in controlled areas reflects broader risks in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Speaking during a visit by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration, Bunu received praise for advocating for maritime workers’ interests. SCAN President, Mr. Moses Ebosele, encouraged industry stakeholders to support this year’s event, which will focus on environmentally sustainable practices and modern technologies in Nigerian seaports.
The 2026 Dockworkers’ Day theme, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices For Dockworkers,” aims to promote sustainability and innovation among maritime operators, policymakers, and environmental advocates.
