Maritime Workers Clash with Five Star Terminal Over Safety Standards
A sharp exchange of accusations has erupted between the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and Five Star Logistics Terminal at Lagos’ Tincan Island Port following the death of a dockworker in a tragic Christmas Day accident.
The incident, in which a crane crushed a dockworker aboard a vessel, has spotlighted concerns over workplace safety. MWUN President Adewale Adeyanju lambasted the terminal for alleged negligence and poor safety standards, while the terminal has strongly denied the claims.
“A Preventable Tragedy”
Adeyanju attributed the dockworker’s death to the terminal operator’s failure to enforce safety protocols, describing the conditions as “unacceptable.”
“You have a vessel that requires close to 50 to 60 men working, yet there is only one supervisor onboard overseeing them. How can the supervisor monitor activities at the front, middle, and back simultaneously? Is he a robot?” he queried.
Adeyanju further alleged that many workers lacked basic protective gear such as safety boots, helmets, and overalls, and noted that two supervisors meant to manage crane operations were absent during the fatal incident.
“Stevedoring is a global profession with clear standards, not factory work. A responsible company would have already provided a clear explanation of what transpired,” he said, accusing the terminal of prioritising profits over worker welfare.
Terminal Defends Its Record
Five Star Terminal’s Customs Care Manager, Chuks Okereafor, dismissed the accusations, asserting that the terminal maintains “high safety standards.”
“Four stevedoring companies operate in Five Star Logistics Terminal, and none has ever accused the terminal of anti-labour practices. We enforce the wearing of PPE, and safety notices are displayed at designated points,” he said.
Okereafor, however, admitted he was on leave and lacked detailed knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Broader Safety Concerns
The MWUN has criticised what it sees as a widespread disregard for safety among terminal operators. According to Adeyanju, “only a few operators understand the importance of safety. We are talking about human lives.”
The union called for stricter adherence to international safety protocols, highlighting the need for multiple supervisors for large-scale vessel operations and adequate protective equipment for all workers.
Looking Ahead
The Christmas Day incident underscores a pressing need for reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector. As investigations into the dockworker’s death continue, questions remain about the extent of safety compliance at the nation’s ports. Whether this tragedy will catalyse change or fade into history as another occupational hazard remains to be seen.
