Importers Sound Alarm as 'Wharf Rats' Plunder Vehicle Parts at Lagos Port
Importers and port users have raised urgent concerns over a resurgence of theft and vandalism at the Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) terminals of Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. Dockside thieves, colloquially known as "wharf rats," are reportedly targeting newly imported vehicles, stripping them of valuable components before owners can clear them through customs.
Criminals Operate Within Terminal Premises
According to reports from industry stakeholders, these criminals operate directly within terminal premises, removing sensitive and costly parts such as sensors, catalytic converters, stereos, batteries, side mirrors, spare tires, brain boxes, jacks, and wheel spanners. The thefts often occur shortly after vehicles arrive at the terminals, leaving importers with unexpected repair costs and significant financial losses.
Many importers describe the situation as financially devastating, noting that the stolen components sometimes account for a substantial portion of a vehicle's value, making it difficult to recover their initial investment. This has led to widespread questioning of security arrangements within port facilities.
Clearing Agents Blame Terminal Operators for Security Lapses
Clearing agents and industry stakeholders attribute the incidents largely to poor security at the terminals. They explain that since the federal government introduced the port concession program in 2006, private companies managing the terminals have been responsible for maintaining security within their facilities.
The reform transferred the management of cargo terminals to concessionaires, while the Nigerian Ports Authority retained oversight responsibilities. Initially, this arrangement improved port operations and strengthened security through stricter access control systems. However, nearly two decades later, some industry players believe these gains are being undermined by the resurgence of dockside theft.
Stakeholder Emphasizes Terminal Operator Responsibility
Farinto Kayode, a prominent industry stakeholder, emphasized that terminal operators are primarily responsible for the safety of cargo within port facilities. He noted that terminal operators coordinate cargo positioning during examination processes and engage stevedoring companies to handle container operations.
Kayode pointed out that some theft cases could occur during cargo examination, particularly if individuals employed by stevedoring companies engage in misconduct. He advised terminal operators to review their security systems and ensure proper oversight of companies operating within the terminals. Additionally, he suggested that affected importers could seek compensation by filing claims with the relevant terminal operators.
Car Dealers Express Concern Over Mounting Losses
Ajibola Adedoyin, National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, described the situation as troubling for car dealers. He highlighted that vehicle importers spend millions of naira bringing cars into the country and should not face additional losses due to vandalism within port facilities.
Adedoyin noted that the stolen components often represent a significant portion of a vehicle's value, complicating efforts for dealers to recover their costs. He warned that the association may raise the issue again with relevant authorities if the incidents persist.
NPA Clarifies Its Role in Port Security
In response to the complaints, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications at the Nigerian Ports Authority, clarified that security within terminals falls under the responsibility of concessionaires managing the facilities. He stated that the authority's role is mainly to supervise operations and ensure that concession agreements are properly implemented.
Onyemekara advised importers experiencing theft or vandalism to direct their complaints to the specific terminal operators responsible for handling their cargo. This clarification underscores the division of responsibilities in Nigeria's port system, where private operators handle day-to-day security while the NPA maintains regulatory oversight.
Context of Nigeria's Port Growth
This security concern arises amid a period of historic growth for Nigeria's ports. In 2025, total cargo throughput rose by 24.8%, climbing from about 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons. The growth is driven by higher exports, imports, and container traffic, reflecting the federal government's push for economic diversification.
Lekki Port led the nation's ports in cargo handling and received the largest vessels, averaging 55,712 Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT), slightly above Onne at 53,022 GRT. Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports handled ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT respectively, while Delta Ports averaged 17,414 GRT.
The juxtaposition of this growth with security challenges highlights the ongoing need for balanced development in Nigeria's maritime sector, where operational efficiency must be matched by robust security measures to protect investments and maintain stakeholder confidence.
