The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised the alarm over increasing cases of theft at quay aprons in seaports across Lagos State.

The President-General of MWUN, Francis Bunu, expressed concern following a recent theft incident aboard the vessel MV ZY JU HE at Eko Support Services in the early hours of Sunday.

Mr Bunu, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, described the situation as a serious security lapse.

He said that information made available to the union indicated that about five tins of paint were stolen from the vessel’s aft store, alongside a mobile phone belonging to a crew member.

According to him, preliminary observations indicate that the perpetrators did not use a ladder to access the vessel, while poor lighting around the paint store area may have contributed to the incident by reducing visibility.

He said that though security officials on board raised the alarm, including blowing whistles, the response was not loud enough to deter the suspects.

Mr Bunu said that the stolen items were eventually thrown into the sea as the suspects fled, jumping overboard and escaping in a speedboat when the vessel’s alarm system was activated.

“Security at the ports’ quay aprons has become so porous that thieves now easily access vessels and cart away items belonging to crew members and vessel maintenance materials such as paints and other valuable materials with such ease.

“I am making a passionate plea to all the security agencies within the seaports across the country to be more vigilant in their duties of protecting lives and property.

“They should make sure that the port premises and quay aprons are adequately safe for the day-to-day running of businesses,” he said.

The president-general called on security agencies operating within the nation’s seaports to intensify surveillance and ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

He specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to be more proactive and committed to securing port environments.

Mr Bunu warned that failure to address the security gaps could negatively impact the country’s maritime business.

He also stressed the need to prevent Nigerian ports from being perceived as unsafe for operations.
(NAN)