
Shipping association raises the alarm over rising stowaway cases
File Copy: Container shipping to Lagos
Kindly share this story:
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
Kindly share this story:
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
Community Reactions
AI-Powered Insights
Related Stories

‘I want to be a wife’ — 48-yr-old singer Tamar Braxton

More migrants are dying in ICE detention under Trump

AFCON 2025: Osimhen hails “tactical” ‘Eric Chelle ahead of semi-final against Morocco



Discussion (0)