Maritime Workers’ Union Warns of Economic and Security Risks at Nigerian Ports; Petitions Minister Over Absence of Tally Clerks

The Maritime Workers’ Union warns of arms smuggling and revenue loss due to absent tally clerks at Nigerian ports. Read the union’s full petition to the Minister.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Newspaper Nigeria

A Critical Security Gap in Nigeria’s Maritime Domain

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has sounded a high-level alarm regarding the "fundamental and existential" security threats currently facing the nation's ports and jetties. In a formal petition dated March 23, 2026, the union alerted the Federal Government to a complete absence of regulated gangway security personnel and tally clerks across vital maritime infrastructure. This oversight, the union argues, has rendered the nation’s borders increasingly porous. The lack of on-board security has reportedly allowed for the unchecked trafficking of small arms and the handling of contraband, directly impacting national stability during a period of heightened regional sensitivity.

Economic Leakage and Under-Declaration of Cargo

Beyond physical security, the MWUN highlighted a staggering economic toll linked to the absence of tally clerks. These workers serve as the primary auditors of cargo as it is loaded or discharged; without them, terminal operators are allegedly able to bypass official stevedoring regulations. The union claims this environment encourages the systemic under-declaration of cargo, resulting in the loss of billions in potential revenue for the Federal Government. The MWUN asserts that current operations at many terminals are being conducted by unregistered dockworkers, a direct violation of the Stevedoring Regulations of 2014, which mandates the use of registered maritime labor to ensure transparency.

The Crisis of 243 Unsupervised Jetties

Perhaps most concerning is the union's revelation that no fewer than 243 operational jetties across Nigeria are currently functioning without any form of regulatory oversight. Key agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are reportedly absent from these locations. This lack of supervision not only facilitates illegal trade but also represents a massive "black hole" in the nation’s maritime revenue stream. The union’s Secretary-General, Comrade Oniha Erazua, emphasized that these jetties operate as sovereign entities, shielded from the labor laws and safety standards that govern major port terminals.