The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Money Management Series (MMS) have entered into a tripartite partnership to boost surveillance and secure the seaports to curb financial losses from stowaway incidents, which are estimated at $8.9 million globally.

The tripartite partnership will include joint monitoring operations, training for port personnel, and increased public awareness campaigns aimed at deterring trafficking attempts.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, pledged to boost port security and provide operational support to anti-trafficking agencies. He emphasised the need to secure the country’s trade infrastructure, noting the critical role seaports and waterways play in national security and economic development.

“As the port economic regulator, we are ready to provide all necessary support to NAPTIP and MMS to stamp out trafficking activities,” he stated.
Member of the Women of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHoF ), Lami Tumaka, said the $8.9 million, drawn from a report by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), covers losses sustained by the global shipping industry between February 2020 and February 2021.

She said this represents not only a significant economic burden but also a serious security and humanitarian crisis linked to human trafficking and port vulnerabilities.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, called the partnership a critical step toward disrupting trafficking networks.

“With Nigeria’s strategic maritime position, we must lead the region in creating secure and humane ports. The NSC’s support provides us with a vital tool in detecting and preventing trafficking activities,” she said.