By Ajibola Adedoye
The leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by its President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has expressed grave concern over the rising spate of workplace accidents at the Warri Port, calling on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to urgently enforce strict safety measures to protect workers.
The Union’s delegation, which embarked on a routine tour of the Warri Port facility earlier this week, was received by the Port Manager, represented by the General Manager of the Authority, Mrs. Stella Onyemeli Obiageli, alongside other executives of the NPA.
During the inspection, the MWUN President-General lamented that Warri Port had recorded the highest number of accidents among Nigerian ports, a development he described as “unacceptable and deeply troubling.”
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“The question of accidents at the port is no longer palatable to behold. Workers should not be subjected to injuries, broken limbs, or permanent disabilities while serving their nation,” Comrade Bunu declared, stressing that the trend must stop immediately.
He emphasized the need for total compliance with global maritime safety standards, particularly the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, while insisting on the reactivation of tally clerks and onboard gangway security personnel to strengthen operational safety and security across port terminals.
The union leader also urged the NPA to extend its monitoring to private jetties and oil and gas platforms within the littoral areas of the Niger Delta, noting that safety and security at such facilities remain a matter of urgent national concern.
While cautioning management and workers to embrace a culture of “Safety, Safety, Safety,” Comrade Bunu commended the resilience of the Warri Port management and expressed optimism that with improved safety protocols, the facility would achieve greater operational efficiency.
Responding, the General Manager, Mrs. Obiageli, thanked the union for its constructive engagement and assured that the concerns raised would be given prompt attention. She also prayed for a safe journey for the union delegation.
The visit ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between the NPA management and MWUN to safeguard workers, boost efficiency, and ensure that the Warri Port remains compliant with international standards.
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