Sunday, December 7, 2025 - The Shipping Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the growing number of stowaways gaining unauthorized access to vessels at Nigerian ports, revealing that ships recorded about 2,300 security breaches this year.
The association’s chairman, Boma Alabi, said that despite
payments made to government agencies tasked with securing vessels at berth,
criminals still find ways to board ships illegally. She noted that about 15
foreign shipping lines currently operate in Nigeria, each recording two to
three stowaway incidents weekly. She described the situation as deeply
troubling.
Alabi explained that shipping companies continue to face
sanctions for stowaway cases and must also bear the cost of repatriating those
caught. She emphasized that the policy needs to be reviewed, insisting that
shipping firms are not responsible for individuals who breach port security.
She added that each arrested stowaway attracts a $2,000
sanction paid by the shipping company, even though these firms already pay
government agencies in dollars for vessel security. She called for greater
efficiency from port security agencies, stressing that the maritime industry
affects everyone.
Responding to the claims, a Port Security Officer with the
Nigerian Ports Authority argued that the figures may be exaggerated, saying
only about 10 stowaway cases were recorded at Apapa Port this year. He advised
checking the International Maritime Bureau’s website for verified data.
The Nigeria Immigration Service also countered the
association’s numbers, insisting that the true figures are nowhere near the
level being reported.
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