MWUN, Western Police Command pledge collaboration on port security

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has strengthened its partnership with the Western Port Police Command, Apapa, with a pledge to work together to enhance security and facilitate legitimate trade in the port.

The pact was entered into as the  President General of MWUN Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, and his team paid a courtesy visit to the newly assigned commissioner of police to the Command, CP Agbaminoja Iyabode Oluwatoyin, on Monday.

In an e-signed release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, head of media, MWUN, made available to Nationupdate, Comrade Francis Bunu the foremost Maritme Labour leader in the country at the meeting pointed out that the union’s culture is to pay courtesy visits to newly appointed Commissioners of Police at the Western Port Police Command. He expressed the union’s commitment to working closely with CP Iyabode and her team to ensure effective security synergy in the port.

Bunu emphasized MWUN’s strategic importance as the largest trade union in the country and its integral role in the command, situated at the nation’s economic gateway. He assured the CP that the union would continue to collaborate with the command to maintain a progressive security network in the port and its environs.

He also noted that CP Iyabode’s tenure would be successful with collective efforts, given the longstanding relationship between the union and the command.

The President revealed that his predecessor, PG Emeritus Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, had described CP Iyabode as “Our Own,” a sentiment that the union echoes.

“We welcome you on board and assure you of our collaboration and support in securing the port,” he said.

Comrade Bunu introduced the presidents of the Dockworkers and Shipping Branches, Agboola Bolaji and Olufemi Oluyinka Abass, respectively, noting that they would be available for immediate response and assistance whenever needed.

He explained that the union has four branches: Dockworkers, Seafarers & NIWA, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and Shipping, and that his busy schedule often takes him outside Lagos. On behalf of his executives, Comrade Bunu thanked the command for the warm reception.

CP Iyabode thanked Comrade Bunu and his team, describing them as resourceful partners and the visit as timely. She emphasized that the port is a shared constituency, requiring collective efforts to ensure its safety and security.

“It’s not just the police’s duty alone, but a collective responsibility that requires synergy between the police, Maritime Workers Union, and other stakeholders,” she said.

CP Iyabode highlighted the importance of information sharing, civil treatment, and cooperation between the police and the union to protect the port and its legitimate businesses.

She reiterated that securing the port is a primary responsibility and expressed appreciation for the union’s visit, looking forward to continued collaboration.