Stakeholders Warn of Growing Security Risks at Nigerian Ports

Organised labour and maritime operators have raised concerns over increasing security vulnerabilities and potential revenue leakages at Nigeria’s seaports, citing the absence of registered tally clerks and on-board gangway security personnel.

Speaking at the Dockworkers’ Day celebration in Lagos, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) President-General, Francis Bunu, said the removal of these workers has created a “serious security gap” in the maritime sector, especially amid rising insecurity nationwide.

Tally clerks play a critical role in counting, verifying, and documenting cargo loaded onto and discharged from ships, trucks, and containers. They reconcile actual cargo movements with ship manifests and way-bills, ensuring correct tonnage declarations and preventing smuggling and revenue losses. Often referred to as “the eyes of government at the ports,” tally clerks are key to detecting under-declared cargo and other abuses.

Similarly, on-board gangway security personnel provide essential protection on vessel gangways, preventing unauthorised boarding, stowaways, and cargo theft while enforcing port security regulations.

Stakeholders warn that without these functions, ports become more susceptible to illicit cargo operations, under-declaration of tonnage, and significant revenue loss. They are urging the Federal Government to reinstate both tally clerks and on-board security men immediately to safeguard port operations and protect national revenue.