Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Targets Stowaways and Human Traffickers through Inter-Agency Partnership

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have forged a partnership to combat stowaways and human trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

This collaboration follows a strategic meeting at the NSC’s Abuja headquarters, which included representatives from the MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative.

Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the NSC, highlighted the growing threat of human trafficking as a global criminal enterprise that jeopardizes the blue economy. He noted that traffickers are increasingly exploiting sea routes to evade detection, posing risks to national security and maritime trade.

The NSC is committed to enhancing monitoring systems at ports, improving information-sharing mechanisms, and promoting public awareness campaigns to deter trafficking and stowaway activities.

The WoFHoF Initiative emphasized the need to address trafficking at sea and raised concerns about gender-based violence in maritime and logistics workplaces.

The partnership with NAPTIP and the NSC is expected to amplify advocacy efforts and improve Nigeria’s compliance with international protocols, ultimately enhancing the safety and reputation of its maritime operations.

This inter-agency alliance aims to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector by combating human trafficking and stowaway activities, promoting a safer and more secure environment for maritime trade and commerce.