Legal and Institutional Framework for Maritime Security in Nigeria (original) (raw)

This long essay examines the subject of maritime security, directing its focus on Nigeria, its institutional and legal framework for maritime security. The Gulf of Guinea, in which Nigeria is a dominant player has suffered bouts of criminal maritime activity in the past few years, and these activities have affected the economy of Nigeria in no small measure. Maritime Security -or the lack of it- must now be paramount an issue for discourse in the Nigerian polity. Nigerian waters and the adjoining Gulf of Guinea have been designated as a ‘High Risk Area’ and one of the most troubled global waterways. In 2019, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that between 2015 and 2017, the total economic cost of piracy, kidnapping and armed robbery at sea incurred by all stakeholders involved in countering these activities (including Nigeria) was US$2.3 billion. On its part, the ICC International Maritime Bureau reported that actual and attempted piracy and armed robberies against ships on Africa’s west coast significantly increased from 47 in 2011 to 64 in 2019. This study's methodology is doctrinal, incorporating both primary and secondary sources. Statutes and judicial decisions serve as primary sources, while articles, internet sources, and books serve as secondary sources. The study found out that Nigeria has taken steps in creating institutional and legal machinery to combat maritime insecurity in the country. However, it is still challenged by the menace. Nigeria still suffers economic losses in harshly huge rates relative to other countries of the world and countries of west Africa. It is also clear, that while Nigeria is party to international agreements and even purports to have domesticated the UNCLOS, its woes are not over. The study concludes that Nigeria’s strides are unrelenting and are yielding results, but they can be consolidated. The Falcon Eye System and the Deep Blue marine security project are landmark achievements worthy of honest recognition. The Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Related Offences Act 2019 is another stride towards bringing a solution to the menace of maritime insecurity. The incidents of maritime crime hit statistical lows in 2021. It is concluded, that Nigeria has taken baby steps in the march to maritime security which will return great recompense upon consolidation.

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