Shipping firms in Nigeria record 2,300 stowaways annually

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 associations 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 Bureaus website for verified data.The Nigeria Immigration Service also countered the associations numbers, insisting that the true figures are nowhere near the level being reported. The post Shipping firms in Nigeria record 2,300 stowaways annually appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.