The Shipping Association of Nigeria reports 2,300 stowaway incidents in 2025, highlighting security concerns at Nigerian ports.
The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has raised concerns over the ongoing stowaway incidents at Nigerian ports, reporting approximately 2,300 security infractions in 2025, according to the Lagos Vanguard.
SAN chairman Boma Alabi emphasized that despite payments made to government agencies responsible for vessel security, unauthorized access continues to be a significant issue. She described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that around 15 foreign shipping lines each encounter two to three stowaway cases weekly.
Ms. Alabi pointed out that shipping firms are unfairly penalized, as they are required to pay US$2,000 for each arrested stowaway and also cover repatriation costs. She argued that sanctions should be reevaluated, as the companies are not at fault, and that agencies responsible for port security must enhance their efficiency.
Furthermore, she highlighted that the Nigerian maritime industry has become dollarized, with firms paying government agencies in dollars for vessel protection, yet stowaway incidents persist. 'Whatever happens in the maritime industry affects every one of us,' she stated.
In response, Port Security Officer Ikechukwu Igunna of the Nigerian Ports Authority disputed the reported figures, claiming that Apapa Port has recorded only about 10 stowaway cases this year. He recommended consulting the International Maritime Bureau for verified data.
Nigeria Immigration Service spokesman Akinola Akinlabi also countered SAN's claims, asserting that the actual number of stowaway cases is significantly lower than reported.
