The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has sounded an urgent alarm regarding a surge in criminal activity and security breaches at quay aprons across Lagos seaports. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Union’s President-General, Mr. Francis Bunu, highlighted a brazen theft aboard the vessel MV ZY JU HE at Eko Support Services as evidence of a deteriorating security situation.
The structural and tactical consequence of the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, points to significant vulnerabilities in port surveillance. According to the union, suspects managed to infiltrate the vessel’s aft store, making off with maintenance materials including five tins of paint and a crew member’s mobile phone. Preliminary reports suggest the perpetrators exploited poor lighting around the storage areas to remain undetected, eventually escaping by jumping overboard into a waiting speedboat once the ship’s internal alarm was activated.
Analytically, the impact on “Maritime Safety and Port Reputation” is a primary concern for the MWUN. Bunu characterized the current state of the quay aprons as “porous,” noting that the ease with which thieves access international vessels poses a serious threat to the daily running of maritime businesses. While onboard security attempted to deter the suspects using whistles, the response was reportedly insufficient to prevent the boarding, raising questions about the coordination between private vessel security and state port authorities.
Furthermore, the MWUN is making a “passionate plea” to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to intensify their presence within the port environment. The union argues that the lack of proactive patrolling along the water’s edge allows criminals to operate with near-impunity using high-speed boats. Secure quay aprons are essential not only for the protection of property but also for the safety of crew members who are increasingly becoming targets of these opportunistic raids.
The long-term outlook for Nigeria’s maritime hub depends on its ability to meet international port security standards. Bunu warned that if these security gaps are not closed immediately, Nigerian ports risk being perceived as “unsafe” by global shipping lines, which could lead to increased insurance premiums and a decline in vessel traffic. For a sector already grappling with high operational costs, the added burden of theft and insecurity could severely hamper the nation’s “Blue Economy” aspirations.
The union’s call for action serves as a critical reminder that physical infrastructure—such as adequate lighting and automated surveillance—must be paired with active, high-visibility security patrols. Until the quay aprons are adequately secured, the MWUN remains skeptical of the “business as usual” approach currently adopted by port administrators in Lagos.
