Ports in Trouble: Labour, Maritime Operators Raise Alarm Over Security and Revenue Loss

Organised labour and maritime operators have raised fresh concerns about growing security lapses and revenue leakages at Nigeria’s seaports.

According to them, the absence of registered tally clerks and on-board ship gangway security men has left vital port operations exposed to fraud, smuggling, and other illegal activities. They’re urging the Federal Government to bring these workers back before the situation gets worse.

During the Dockworkers’ Day celebration in Lagos, the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, described their removal as a “serious security gap” that has weakened the safety and transparency of the maritime sector—especially at a time when insecurity is already on the rise nationwide.

Tally clerks play a crucial role in port operations. They physically count, verify, and document cargoes being loaded or offloaded from ships, ensuring that what’s declared matches what’s actually on ground. Their job helps prevent under-declaration, smuggling, and revenue loss—basically acting as “the eyes of government at the ports.”

Meanwhile, on-board gangway security men are stationed at ship entrances to prevent unauthorized access, theft, and stowaways. They also make sure all security and port regulations are followed.

Without these two groups, experts say the ports have become vulnerable—making it easier for illicit cargoes and false declarations to slip through undetected.

In 2015, around 3,700 tally clerks and gangway security men were disengaged following a reform by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Their stevedoring companies’ contracts were not renewed after expiration, leaving a vacuum that many insiders say has never been properly filled.

Since then, the industry has faced growing concerns about missing oversight, unpaid benefits, and declining welfare for dockworkers.

Comrade Bunu didn’t just call for their reinstatement—he also pushed for a full review of dockworkers’ welfare, better pay, uniform working conditions, and proper employment practices. He added that a national task force should be set up to enforce safety standards across terminals and offshore platforms.

“The issue of tally clerks is a very serious matter,” said MWUN official Sunmola. “The industry is bleeding without them. The government must act fast to restore their services if we want the ports to function properly.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, echoed the same concern—stressing that safety and collaboration between operators and labour unions are essential for a secure and thriving maritime environment.