Investigation by Shipping Position Daily has revealed a surge in stowaway incidents at Lagos waters, tarnishing Nigeria’s global reputation.
This is even as findings by our correspondent revealed that the Lagos Port Complex of Apapa and Tin-Can Island Port, which are vital trade hubs, are now among the top 10 routes noted globally for stowaway cases.
According to recent data from the Nigerian Navy, a total of 75 stowaways were apprehended in Lagos in about eight months, specifically, between August 2023 and April 2024.l
This trend solidifies Nigeria’s position as the African country with the highest stowaway occurrences.
A stowaway is defined by the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), as a person who is secreted on a ship or in cargo, without the consent of the shipowner, master, or any other responsible person, poses significant risks to maritime security and shipping operations.
Our correspondent gathered that despite efforts by authorities, including the deployment of advanced Maritime Domain Awareness equipment, incidents persist, with stowaways often citing economic hardship and political instability as motivations.
In a chat with our correspondent, Mr Gbenga Leke Oyewole, a maritime security expert, underscored critical lapses in port security management, urging Customs to enhance rummaging efforts, particularly on tanker vessels where oversight is lacking. e added that failure to adhere to clearance procedures contributes to the prevalence of stowaway attempts.“ “But come to the security at the port like you said, the people that will be able to do the job very well apart from the regular security agencies would be the Customs. But unfortunately, the Customs may not be quite up to date when you are talking about cargo, I mean dry cargo. They do their rummaging and all that.
Furthermore, another stakeholder, Frank Nweje highlighted the economic implications of repatriating stowaways, averaging over $10,000 per individual.
He underscored the urgency for comprehensive solutions, even as he emphasized the necessity for decisive action by Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to combat this maritime crime effectively.
He added that addressing unemployment and improving living conditions are crucial steps towards minimizing stowaway incidents and restoring Nigeria’s global image,
