Port safety and security can’t be compromised – Police

The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Nigeria Police, has stated that seaports and cargo are national assets and their safety is a matter of national interest and cannot be compromised.

The command, however, enjoined members of the public to play a more active role in ensuring safety and security at seaport terminals.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, emphasized this in a statement in Lagos.

Nigeria’s seaports, described as dynamic hubs of global trade and local logistics, rely heavily on the smooth functioning of terminals—designated areas where cargo is loaded, unloaded, and processed. These terminals handle a wide range of goods, from containers and bulk cargo to hazardous materials and vehicles, making safety protocols essential to prevent accidents, theft, and disruptions.

“Safe terminal operations are the backbone of a secure maritime trade ecosystem,” ASP Hundeyin stated. “They protect lives, cargo, and investments, and help maintain Nigeria’s reputation in global commerce.”

The Ports Authority Police outlined several key areas of terminal safety, including access control, traffic regulation, cargo handling, fire safety, surveillance, and environmental compliance. Officers conduct physical patrols, investigate cargo-related crimes, and manage crowd control in collaboration with agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

ASP Hundeyin also stressed the importance of public awareness and cooperation. Frequent port users—including truck drivers, clearing agents, labourers, and seafarers—were urged to follow safety guidelines such as carrying valid identification, avoiding restricted zones, reporting suspicious activity, and wearing protective gear.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” Hundeyin added. “When everyone plays their part, terminals can become not only centers of trade and economic growth but also models of discipline and security.”

As Nigeria’s ports continue to modernize, the Ports Authority Police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding maritime infrastructure and supporting the nation’s economic progress.