MWUN Raises Alarm Over Rising Accidents at Warri Port

MWUN Raises Alarm Over Rising Accidents at Warri Port

MWUN President General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi(Left)and the Port Manager Warri port,Mrs Stella  Onyemeli Obiageli(R) during the former’s visit to the port manager, recently 

By Frank Odinukaeze

The leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of workplace accidents at the Warri Port, describing the situation as “no longer palatable” and urging the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to take immediate steps to strengthen safety measures.
The Union’s President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, led an executive delegation on a routine tour of the Warri Port this week, where they were received by NPA officials, including the Port Manager’s representative, General Manager Mrs. Stella Onyemeli Obiageli.
Addressing workers and management, Comrade Bunu lamented that Warri Port has so far recorded the highest number of incidents among the nation’s seaports, leading to injuries, broken limbs, permanent disabilities, and in some cases, life-threatening conditions. He noted that heavy-duty cranes and terminal operations have been a major source of these accidents.

“This ugly trend must stop. We cannot continue to see our members being maimed or permanently disabled while serving the country. Safety within the port is non-negotiable,” Bunu declared.
According to a press statement by Media Head of the Union, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna,the MWUN leader called on the NPA to urgently reactivate the use of tally clerks and onboard gangway security men, stressing that such measures would improve monitoring and compliance. He further demanded 24-hour security checks at the facility, in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which sets global standards for port operations.

He also urged the Authority to deploy personnel to private jetties and oil and gas platforms in the region’s littoral areas to strengthen vigilance around security and safety.
Despite his concerns, Comrade Bunu commended the Warri Port management for its resilience and commitment to duty. He expressed confidence that with proper adherence to safety rules, the port would achieve greater operational heights.
On her part, Mrs. Obiageli thanked the MWUN delegation for the visit and assured the union of management’s readiness to step up efforts in addressing safety and security challenges. She prayed for a safe journey back for the visiting team.

The MWUN pledged its continued support to the Warri Port workforce, urging workers to comply strictly with safety regulations as part of a shared responsibility with management.