The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has raised alarm over persistent stowaway incidents at Nigerian ports, saying vessels recorded about 2,300 security infractions in 2025, reported the Lagos Vanguard.

SAN chairman Boma Alabi said despite payments to government agencies tasked with safeguarding vessels, unauthorised access continues. She described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that about 15 foreign shipping lines each face two to three stowaway cases weekly.

Ms Alabi stressed that shipping firms are unfairly penalised, as they must pay US$2,000 per arrested stowaway and also bear repatriation costs. She argued that sanctions should be reviewed since companies are not at fault, while agencies responsible for port security must improve efficiency.

She added that the Nigerian maritime industry has been dollarized, with firms paying government agencies in dollars for vessel protection, yet stowaway incidents persist. "Whatever happens in the maritime industry affects every one of us," she said.

Port Security Officer Ikechukwu Igunna of the Nigerian Ports Authority disputed the figures, saying Apapa Port had recorded only about 10 stowaway cases this year. He advised consulting the International Maritime Bureau for verified data.

Nigeria Immigration Service spokesman Akinola Akinlabi also countered SAN's claims, stating that the actual number of stowaway cases was far lower than reported.