By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
In recent years, Nigeria’s maritime security has faced numerous challenges, with stowaway incidents emerging as a particularly troubling threat. These cases have escalated to alarming levels, shedding light on the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s port and shipping security systems.
As a key player in the West African maritime sector, Nigeria’s strategic location and bustling ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island, have made it a prime target for stowaways seeking illegal entry into foreign countries. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines stowaways as persons who secretly board a ship to gain unauthorized transportation, typically to evade immigration laws or seek better opportunities abroad. In Nigeria, the economic challenges, unemployment, and lack of opportunity for many youths have contributed to a growing number of individuals willing to risk their lives by stowing away on ships. According to the FAL Convention, a stowaway is “A person who is secreted on a ship, or in cargo which is subsequently loaded on the ship, without the consent of the ship owner or the Master or any other responsible person and who is detected on board the ship after it has departed from a port, or in the cargo while unloading”. According to statistics from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the number of stowaway incidents has risen by over 50% in the past two years alone. This trend is alarming, and experts warn that it could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s maritime industry. Also, recent findings by Shipping Position Daily reveal that in 2023 alone, the Gulf of Guinea recorded 143 stowaway incidents, leading to financial losses amounting to approximately $5.9 million. This alarming data, provided by Africa Risk Compliance Limited (ARC) during a maritime security conference in Lagos, highlights the escalating challenges faced by the shipping industry in dealing with stowaways. The figures represent a sharp increase from previous years, signalling an urgent need for more effective measures to address this growing menace. While the Nigerian Navy has been at the forefront of efforts to curb this rising trend, reporting the apprehension of 75 stowaways in various locations across Lagos waters between August 2023 and April 2024, the increase in stowaway incidents underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackling the problem. Despite the deployment of advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) equipment by the Navy, which has improved the detection and interception of stowaways, the root causes of the issue—poverty, unemployment, and inadequate border security—remain largely unaddressed.
The financial burden on the maritime industry is substantial. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that stowaway incidents globally cost the industry an estimated $5.9 million in 2021/2022, with each incident costing an average of $17,100. In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire, as the rise in stowaway cases compounds the existing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, a region already plagued by piracy and armed robbery at sea. Moreover, the cost of repatriating stowaways, which often falls on the ship owners, adds to the financial strain. According to IMO guidelines, the responsibility for repatriating stowaways lies with the state of the port where they were found, or the ship owners if the state is unable or unwilling to repatriate them. This creates additional economic pressure on an already-burdened maritime industry. The presence of stowaways on board ships may bring serious consequences. The lives of stowaways could be endangered as they may spend several days hidden, with the risk of suffocation and without any water or provisions.
For ships and, by extension, to the shipping industry as a whole; the ship could be delayed in port; the repatriation of stowaways can be a very complex and costly procedure involving masters, ship owners, port authorities and agents. Furthermore, the involvement of the captain in stowaway cases cannot be overlooked. While the captain may not always be aware of stowaways on board, the ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of the ship lies with them. Captains and ship owners must ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent stowaways from boarding their vessels. Failure to do so could result in legal liability and further financial losses. These stowaways typically hide in dangerous areas of cargo ships, including engine rooms or under decks, hoping to remain undetected until the vessel reaches international waters or foreign shores. Unfortunately, these attempts often lead to disastrous consequences, including injury, death, or detention by authorities. Several factors have contributed to the rise in stowaway incidents in Nigeria. The worsening and dilapidating state of the economy, which has made life difficult for citizens, is one. Nigeria’s high unemployment rate and economic instability drive many, especially young people, to seek better opportunities abroad. Consequently, to find greener pastures, stowing away becomes an attractive option for those who feel trapped by their circumstances and unable to secure legal means of travel. Another factor is inadequate Port Security. Despite efforts to improve port security, so many loopholes remain. Poorly trained personnel, outdated surveillance technology, and corruption at some Nigerian ports have made it easier for stowaways to bypass security checks and access vessels undetected. Additionally, lack of awareness; many stowaways underestimate the dangers involved in sneaking aboard ships. They are often unaware of the life-threatening conditions onboard, including extreme temperatures, limited food, and water supply, and the risk of being discovered by the crew.
The Consequences for Nigeria’s Maritime Security
The increase in stowaway incidents poses serious risks to Nigeria’s maritime industry. For ship owners, these incidents lead to significant financial losses due to delays in operations, legal complications, and potential harm to crew members. The presence of unauthorized individuals onboard ships also increases the risk of maritime terrorism, piracy, and other criminal activities. From a security perspective, stowaway cases undermine Nigeria’s international reputation as a maritime hub. Shipping companies may be hesitant to call at Nigerian ports due to the potential legal and operational challenges posed by stowaway incidents. This has long-term implications for the country’s economy, as it could lead to reduced shipping traffic and loss of revenue from port activities.
In attempts to fix this menace which has very low enlightenment as many Nigerians are not aware that this practice has been gripping the nation’s maritime sector, the first thing is to tighten security and strengthen security measures at Nigerian ports. This is a critical approach that should include investment in modern surveillance technology, enhancing patrols, and providing adequate training for port security personnel to detect and prevent unauthorized access to ships.
The role that collaboration with International Maritime Organizations, like the IMO cannot be overemphasized. Partnering with neighbouring countries to improve information sharing, implement stricter regulations, and adopt best practices in preventing stowaway incidents is also very important.
Another approach is to tackle the ultimate cause of stowaway cases which happen to be socio-economic issues. The Nigerian government must address the root causes, such as unemployment and poverty, through policies that create jobs and provide opportunities for young people to thrive locally, reducing the temptation to embark on dangerous journeys abroad.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public, particularly vulnerable groups, about the dangers of stowing away and the legal consequences they may face can be an effective deterrent. Such campaigns should be aimed at discouraging desperate attempts at illegal migration.
Governments in the region, including Nigeria, must invest in job creation, education, and social welfare programmes to reduce the economic desperation that fuels stowaway attempts. The immigration officers, the Nigeria Navy, and other security agencies must also step up their efforts to tighten security at ports and along Nigeria’s coastline to prevent unauthorized access to vessels.
For shipping companies, more stringent security measures are necessary to prevent stowaways from boarding undetected. This includes thorough inspections of cargo and vessel structures, as well as greater collaboration between maritime authorities, port operators, and shipping companies to share intelligence and best practices in stowaway prevention.
The IMO recently organized capacity-building activities to address stowaway incidents. These have taken place in South Africa, Cameroun, and Cote d’Ivoire for the phenomenon of stowaways in West, Central, East and South Africa. Perhaps, it’s time Nigeria galvanized such in the Gulf of Guinea.
The maritime industry must also work closely with government agencies to develop policies that address the root causes of stowaway incidents, such as poverty and unemployment. The rising stowaway cases in Nigeria are a clear danger to maritime security. As the number of stowaways continues to grow, the economic, security, and humanitarian implications become more pronounced.
Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure the safety and security of maritime operations in Nigeria and the broader Gulf of Guinea region. Only through such efforts can the maritime industry stall the waves of stowaways and safeguard the region’s economic future.