Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), in collaboration with major security agencies, has launched a renewed sensitisation campaign across coastal communities surrounding the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, warning youths against the rising and increasingly fatal trend of stowaway attempts on vessels departing Nigeria.
The outreach, held on 26 November 2025, was led by the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Lagos Seaports, Clementina C. Ogudu. It featured personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and MASPAN President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa. The joint team visited four high-risk communities — Sabonkorji, Itun-Agan, Igbo Elejo and Nati — all located near port access channels and frequently linked to irregular maritime migration attempts.
Tagged “Comot Your Eye for Ship Propell,” the campaign aimed to dispel myths surrounding stowaway attempts and educate residents, particularly youths, about the deadly risks involved. Security officials emphasised that modern ship architecture, heightened global safety standards and advanced surveillance systems have made stowaway survival extremely unlikely, with many attempts resulting in severe injury or death.
Engaging traditional rulers, youth leaders and community representatives, the agencies also stressed the broader national implications of stowaway cases, including vessel delays, increased operational costs for ship owners, higher insurance premiums and reputational setbacks for Nigeria within the global maritime industry.
MASPAN President Emmanuel Maiguwa warned that the belief that stowaways can safely reach Europe “belongs to the past.” He urged young people to abandon such dangerous pursuits and instead embrace skills acquisition that could enhance their employability in maritime, oil and other productive sectors.
Maiguwa added that companies operating around the ports are willing to support capacity-building programmes if communities prioritise skill development rather than demanding employment without the necessary qualifications.
He advised community leaders to broaden their focus to emerging skills and global employment trends, stressing that equipping youths with relevant competencies would ensure sustainable livelihoods and reduce desperation-driven migration.
Residents of the visited communities expressed appreciation for the campaign and pledged to intensify local awareness efforts. The team also distributed posters and banners to reinforce the message.
Despite the positive reception, officials acknowledged persistent challenges such as unemployment, economic hardship and social pressures that continue to push some youths toward risky migration routes. They noted that sensitisation alone may be insufficient without consistent enforcement, deeper community involvement and strengthened surveillance at maritime access points.
To bolster the initiative, the team recommended regular community sensitisation visits, collaboration with traditional institutions, targeted grassroots information dissemination and partnerships with civil society and local authorities on youth empowerment programmes. They further proposed establishing a community-watch structure capable of detecting and deterring potential stowaway attempts.