Shipping Association Raises Alarm Over Rising Stowaway Cases in Nigeria

Shipping Association Raises Alarm Over Rising Stowaway Cases in Nigeria

Reported By Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi

LAGOS —The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has sounded alarm over a surge in stowaway incidents at Nigerian ports, warning that thousands of security breaches and heavy financial penalties are increasingly undermining the stability of the maritime trade sector. [1]

What SAN Says –

According to the association, ports across Nigeria—including busiest hubs in Lagos—have recorded a sharp rise in stowaway cases over the past year, with estimates of around 2,300 stowaways annually attempting hidden boarding of vessels. [1] – SAN flagged that these stowaways pose serious risks to port security and cargo operations, noting that when stowaways are discovered, ships often face arbitrary delays,extended detention, losses in revenue, higher insurance premiums, and other logistics disruptions vs for shipping companies and importers/exporters. [2]

Broader Impact on Maritime Trade

Shipping industry stakeholders say that stowaway incidents have become part of a growing list of structural problems afflicting Nigerian ports — alongside multiple levies, illegal checkpoints, and container stoppages. These combine to make maritime trade costly, unpredictable, and risky. [3] Some of the consequences highlighted: – Delays in vessel clearance and departures when stowaways are found, adding days or even weeks to shipping schedules. [4] – Financial losses for shipping companies and importers, sometimes running into millions of dollars, due to costs of detentions, inspections, fines and increased war‑risk charges. [5] – Damage to Nigeria’s image as a stable maritime hub — concerns that could scare away foreign investors and trading partners sensitive to security risks. [6]

Calls for Action

SAN is urging the federal government, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), immigration and security agencies to: – Reinstate on‑board security personnel and registered tally clerks, whose removal years ago weakened port surveillance and checks. [3] – Strengthen surveillance and screening at ports and access channels — especially around container terminals, jetties and coastal communities — to prevent unauthorised boarding. [7]- Harmonize operational procedures and ensure that port operators and shipping companies comply with international safety and security standards to deter stowaway attempts. [6]

Citations:

1. Nigeria World: nigeriaworld.com/cgi-bin/axs/ax.pl?https%3A%2F%2Fnigeriaworld.com%2Fnews%2Fsource%2F2025%2Fdec%2F5%2F66.html=&utm_source=chatgpt.com2. Just Net News: justnetnews.com/maspan-explains-how-shipowners-importers-lose-millions-of-dollars-to-drug-trafficking-stowaway-complications/?utm_source=chatgpt.com3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/stakeholders-raise-alarm-over-security-gaps-in-nations-ports/?utm_source=chatgpt.com4. Falcon Watch Nigeria: www.falconwatch.com.ng/drug-trafficking-stowaway-matters-amano-maspan-holds-summit-regrets-losses-by-shipowners-importers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com5. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/nigeria-others-lost-6m-to-stowaways-in-2023-report/?utm_source=chatgpt.com6. Tradewinds News: www.tradewindsnews.com/ports/stowaways-gaining-the-upper-hand-in-game-of-cat-and-mouse-with-port-authorities/2-1-1677508?utm_source=chatgpt.com7. AnchorNewsOnline: www.anchornewsonline.com/security-agencies-maspan-launch-anti-stowaway-campaign-in-lagos-coastal-communities/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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