Cargo theft and vehicle vandalism at Tin Can Island Port have intensified, raising concerns about weak compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code at Lagos ports and facilities.

With importers spending over N700,000 on the repair cost of each vandalised vehicle, the re-emerging problem is becoming a major source of concern for port users.

Port thieves and vandals are reportedly stripping imported vehicles of expensive and vital components at the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) terminal while owners wait to take delivery.

The ISPS Code is a set of rules that requires ports and facilities to have security plans, designate security officers, and implement measures such as access control and surveillance.

The Guardian learnt that the criminals are vandalising vehicles of expensive sensors, cameras, knobs, catalytic converters, stereos, batteries, side mirrors, inner mirrors, jacks, wheel spanners, spare tyres, brain boxes, front grills and other vital components.

Clearing agents lamented that they spend over N700,000 to fix each vehicle vandalised, which adds to the high cost of shipment and clearance.

An agent claimed that a Lexus RX he delivered had been seriously vandalised, forcing the importer to withhold his service charge, while another reported that the knob of his own RX 350 had been taken.

Another agent said he spent over N700,000 replacing a stolen camera from a client’s Lexus after terminal officials claimed the vehicle had been received from the ship in that condition.

Chief Executive Officer of Amtiaco Global Limited, Sheriff Cisse, lamented that the vehicle parts theft and vandalism occur at the RoRo terminals operating at Tin Can Island port.

Cisse, who is also the Secretary of the Planning and Strategy Committee at the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island chapter, identified the vehicle terminal as the epicentre of the criminal activities, while pointing out that the management and vessel crews should take responsibility for the security failures.

Cisse highlighted poor security management both aboard vessels and within the terminals, inadequate staff, a shortage of drivers to retrieve cars, high cost of charges and poor service as major causes of the problem.

The Chief Executive Officer of Wealthy Honey Investments Nigeria Limited, Farinto Kayode, said terminal operators remain the custodians of cargo within the ports and are responsible for the safety of the goods under their watch.

He claimed that terminal operators bring in stevedoring companies to examine the containers.

Kayode alleged that some of the stevedoring companies employed miscreants and questionable characters, increasing the risk of theft.

“This is where these things get missing. They miss the point of examination, so the fault now falls on the terminal operators. Anybody with evidence can claim a refund from the terminal operators by applying. But above all, the fault lies with the terminal operators,” he stated.

He urged the terminal operators to review and update their security system and examine the various stevedoring companies they engage.

The National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Ajibola Adedoyin, described the issue as unprofessional and shameful.

He noted that the responsibilities of cargo safety fall on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and terminal operators.