Maritime workers flag missing tally clerks, vessel attacks at Nigeria’s ports

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has asked the Federal Government to urgently restore the engagement of tally clerks and on-board gangway security men across ports and jetties, as their absence continues to fuel economic and security mayhem.

In a petition signed by Oniha Erazua, its secretary-general and addressed to Adegboyega Oyetola the minister of marine and blue economy, the union argued that the absence of tally clerks has encouraged under-declaration of cargo, cutting into government revenue, while the removal of gangway security personnel has created openings for contraband trade and arms trafficking.

The group added that the situation extends beyond the ports, mmnoting that more 243 jetties operate nationwide without effective supervision from agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

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“The lack of Tally Clerks leaves room for under-declaration of cargo which affects overall revenue generation to the nation,” MWUN wrote.

It called for the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers under a centralised pool to be managed by NIMASA, alongside directives compelling both NIMASA and NPA to strengthen monitoring of compliance across ports, terminals and jetties.

The warning comes amid growing concern over security breaches within port environments.

Francis Bunu, president of MWUN, accused security agencies of failing to protect vessels, following a rise in attacks on ships already berthed at terminals.

Speaking during a visit by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Bunu said incidents of vessels being attacked at berth point to lapses by the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police unit of the Nigeria Police Force, which are responsible for securing port waters and waterfronts.

“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, warning that such developments could damage Nigeria’s standing among international shipping lines.

His comments follow a recent attack on a vessel at the Eko Support Terminal in Lagos, where unidentified assailants reportedly boarded a ship after it had already berthed, raising fresh concerns about safety in what should be one of the most secure areas of the port.

Industry stakeholders say repeated breaches at berth could increase Nigeria’s maritime risk profile and deter foreign shipping operators, particularly as security at ports is often seen as a benchmark for broader safety within territorial waters.

“If our berth is not secured, then what will happen at the high seas?” Bunu said, calling for an immediate review of surveillance and patrol systems around port terminals.

The developments come as the group prepares for the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day, where discussions are expected to focus on sustainability and the future of port operations, even as concerns over security and regulatory enforcement continue to cast a shadow over the sector.