Shipping association raises the alarm over rising stowaway cases

File Copy: Container shipping to Lagos

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The Shipping Association of Nigeria on Friday warned about persistent stowaway incidents, saying vessels recorded about 2,300 security infractions in 2025.

Chairperson, Mrs Boma Alabi, made the disclosure during a media briefing in Lagos.

She said criminal elements still gain unauthorised access to ships despite payments to agencies meant to protect vessels at berths.

Alabi noted that 15 foreign shipping lines operate in Nigeria, each reporting two to three stowaway cases weekly.

“As a result of stowaway cases, sanctions are imposed on shipping companies, and we bear the cost of repatriation,” she said.

She argued that sanctions should be reviewed, insisting shipping firms are not responsible for such breaches.

“Each arrested stowaway attracts a $2,000 fine paid by the shipping company,” Alabi said.

She added that immigration collects the fines even though companies already pay agencies in dollars for vessel protection.

She said port delays also hurt manufacturers, as cargo due in a day often arrives after weeks, forcing some firms to close.

Alabi urged Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to address the shortage of functional pilot cutters in Onne and other ports.

She revealed that shipping lines sometimes hire private boats to support pilots due to the shortfall.

She also criticised port health operations for delaying Free Pratique, especially at Lekki and Apapa ports.

“As shipping lines invest in larger vessels, we need infrastructure support to optimise operations,” she said.

She added that the turning basin in Onne should be widened and more mooring men employed for efficiency.

Alabi said marine police sometimes order shipping lines to halt cargo release, urging strict adherence to proper channels.

She called on government to reduce regulatory pressures to improve the ease of doing business.

She also said Nigeria Customs clearing policies should be tested before rollout to prevent demurrage. She urged Customs to obtain court orders before auctioning overtime cargoes.

Alabi said members complained that their cargoes were auctioned after exceeding the 30-day demurrage period.

She said proper procedures would protect importers and prevent needless losses.

Responding, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) security officer, Ikechukwu Igunna, said the 2,300 figure was inaccurate, noting Apapa recorded about 10 cases in 2025.

Similarly, Nigeria Immigration Service spokesman, Mr Akinola Akinlabi, disputed SAN’s figures and urged stakeholders to consult the International Maritime Bureau.

NAN

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