Outflux of Stowaways in the Wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Nigerian Laws in Perspective

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ABSTRACT

Outflux of Stowaways in the Wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Nigerian Laws in Perspective

Michael O. Ogunjobi*

Stowaways are an ever-present problem for the shipping industry, particularly on the coast of West Africa, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, amongst others. With thousands of deaths reported globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there appears a reawakening of the illegal migration trend for imaginary greener pastures even as developed nations shut their borders, whilst battling job loss and imposing restrictions for entry visas. Yet, illegal migration still thrives particularly since the seaports of many countries remain operational despite the lockdown measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, there is awareness amongst the populace of third world countries that their respective countries will have tougher economic climate with low pace of recovery from the global pandemic unlike developed nations who are projected to fare better. Even before the outbreak, the outlook for the economy of developing countries was fragile, with majority of the younger population longing for greener pasture. An examination of the problem of stowaways in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal regime relating to the menace in Nigeria is the focal point of this paper.

Keywords: Stowaways, Covid-19, Illegal Migration, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION
It is no gainsaying that in Nigeria, the ‘japa’₁ mentality is on the rise despite the reported ill treatment meted on Africans abroad.₂ Even professionals in Nigeria are not left out with resultant brain drain in the polity. Regrettably, resort is being had to illegal means even as stowaways. Over the years, this has undermined the reputation and goodwill of Nigeria and Nigerians who are legal migrants abroad. Painfully, in as much as the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow on the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and other developed regions

* LL.M, BL, ACIArb, ACILRM; The writer is the author of the critically acclaimed book, ‘Dishonourable Honourable’ and a Counsel in the Chambers of Norrison I. Quakers SAN.

1. ‘japa’- is a word denoting ‘run away’ in Yoruba language; the Yorubas are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The word- ‘japa’ in common parlance in Nigeria connotes emigration in pursuit of greener pasture particularly amongst the teeming younger generation in Nigeria.
2. See CNN ‘Black Lives Matter protests across the US and around the world‘ (CNN, 8 June, 2020) 14 April 2020.

THE GRAVITAS REVIEW OF BUSINESS & PROPERTY LAW VOL.11 NO.2