MWUN decries incessant accidents at Delta Ports, tasks NPA on safety and security

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed serious concern over the incessant occurrences of accidents at the Delta Ports, in Warri, citing a disturbing trend of injuries and fatalities among its members.

The union’s leadership, led by President-General Comrade Francis Bunu, addressed the issue during a working visit to the port on Monday.

Bunu, accompanied by his executive committee met with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) management, represented by Mrs. Stella Onyemeli Obiageli.

During the meeting, the union’s leadership decried the incessant occurrences of accidents at the Delta ports, which they say has recorded the highest number of incidents nationwide.

“The question of accidents at the port is no longer palatable at all to behold, hence, the trend must stop. The leadership of the Union is having very serious concerns and sleepless nights; therefore, it is time all necessary measures be taken to see to the end of workers getting their parts of bodies broken, hurt, cut, or stay with permanent disability.”

Bunu said the Union cannot be happy seeing it’s members being struck by heavy-duty cranes at quay aprons and inside the terminals, stressing that such ugly incidents have gone beyond the “norm of practice and professional excellence.”

He called for a strict adherence to all safety standards within the port premises.

To mitigate the risks, Bunu urged the NPA to immediately reactivate the use of tally clerks and onboard gangway security men to ensure security is always maintained.

He also called for the port to operate on a 24-hour, round-the-clock check, with total compliance to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The MWUN PG also reminded the Ports Authority of the urgent need to post NPA personnel to all private jetties and oil and gas platforms in the region to maintain vigilance on security and safety, which he said has become paramount to both the government and citizens.

Bunu, however commended the Warri Port management for their resilience and commitment to duty, expressing confidence in their ability to improve the security situation.

He also thanked the port workers for their courage and assured them of the union’s unwavering support.

In her response, Mrs. Onyemeli Obiageli expressed gratitude to the MWUN delegation for the visit and their collaborative approach to improving safety at the port.