Concerns over deteriorating infrastructure at Nigerian ports have sparked an outcry from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), as union leaders warn of grave safety risks to workers and stakeholders.
The President-General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, highlighted the alarming state of the quay aprons critical port infrastructure that is reportedly sinking and decaying. According to Adeyanju, the poor state of these facilities poses a severe threat to the lives of dockworkers, port users, and other stakeholders.
“The lives of the workers are no longer safe because of the quay aprons, which are sinking, decaying. And most of the cranes they are using, some of them are 200 tons, 500 tons on a quay apron that is sinking, already going. So, tell me about the safety of the workers of that place.
“Where is the safety of the port users and stakeholders operating there? All the people working within that quay apron side, including dockworkers, NPA, and port users, among others, their safety is no longer guaranteed,” Adeyanju lamented.
The union leader also disclosed that some terminals have become virtually non-operational due to the worsening infrastructure. He attributed a recent fatality among dockworkers to these hazardous conditions, underscoring the urgency for intervention.
While the union has yet to initiate a withdrawal of services, Adeyanju noted that discussions are ongoing with key stakeholders, including terminal operators and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). “It has not gotten to the extent of withdrawing the service of our members. We follow due process. We have to engage our principals, the terminal operators, and mostly, the owner of the port, which is the Nigerian Ports Authority. Because you know we just got a new MD. Who is an insider and a proactive person?,” Adeyanju said.
Adeyanju called on the NPA to expedite the process of awarding contracts for repairs, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of port operations.
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