Maritime workers are calling for a stronger security presence at Lagos ports due to a surge in attacks on vessels at berth. The president-general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Francis Bunu, has raised concerns about the poor policing of Lagos port waterfronts. According to Mr. Bunu, these attacks undermine confidence in Nigeria's maritime sector and reveal lapses in coordination among security agencies.

Mr. Bunu spoke on Wednesday when members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) visited the union's headquarters ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers' Day. He described the recent breach at Eko Support Terminal, where unidentified assailants reportedly attacked a berthed vessel last week, as unacceptable. The incident has heightened concerns among ship operators and port users about safety within Nigerian ports.

Mr. Bunu warned that repeated attacks at berths could discourage international shipping lines and worsen Nigeria's maritime risk profile. He called for a stronger security presence around port berths and waterfronts to prevent further attacks and reassure global operators. The MWUN leader urged security agencies and port authorities to review surveillance and patrol systems to address the issue.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The recent spate of attacks on vessels at Lagos ports is a stark reminder of the security vulnerabilities plaguing Nigeria's maritime sector. Francis Bunu's call for a stronger security presence is a timely warning to security agencies and port authorities to take decisive action. The consequences of inaction are clear: a decline in international shipping lines and a worsening maritime risk profile. Everyday Nigerians will bear the brunt of this insecurity, as it undermines the country's economic growth and development. The review of surveillance and patrol systems is a necessary step towards restoring confidence in Nigeria's maritime sector.