Maritime security in Nigeria has become a cornerstone topic in global trade discussions, especially among stakeholders in shipping, logistics, oil and gas, and international security. As Africa’s largest economy with a coastline along one of the world’s most strategic waterways—the Gulf of Guinea—Nigeria plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and stability of maritime commerce in West and Central Africa.
However, the country has long battled serious threats in its territorial waters, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, oil theft, and maritime smuggling. Today, thanks to significant national and regional efforts, maritime security in Nigeria is showing marked improvement, but continued progress depends on strategic commitment and stakeholder collaboration.
Why Maritime Security in Nigeria Matters
With a coastline of over 850 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles, Nigeria’s maritime domain is one of the most commercially and geopolitically significant in Africa. Over 90% of Nigeria’s international trade moves through its seaports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar.
The country is also a leading exporter of crude oil, and any disruption in its maritime space has immediate consequences on global energy supply, insurance costs, and shipping routes. This underscores why maritime security in Nigeria is not only a national priority but also a regional and international concern.
Key Threats to Maritime Security in Nigeria
Despite progress, Nigeria’s maritime environment remains vulnerable to a range of complex and interlinked threats:
1. Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea
The Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria’s waters lie, has historically been the epicenter of global piracy. Between 2010 and 2020, it recorded the highest number of crew kidnappings worldwide. Organized pirate networks operate with speed, coordination, and local intelligence, making them difficult to apprehend without a sophisticated response.
2. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Every year, Nigeria loses millions of dollars due to IUU fishing.. This not only undermines local fishing industries and depletes marine ecosystems but also poses a threat to food security and maritime governance.
3. Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering
The illegal siphoning of crude oil, often called “oil bunkering,” robs Nigeria of billions in annual revenue. These activities fuel environmental degradation and fund organized crime networks, posing significant obstacles to effective maritime security.
4. Smuggling and Human Trafficking
Criminal groups exploit Nigeria’s porous maritime borders to smuggle contraband goods, narcotics, and even traffic humans—activities that are difficult to trace and intercept without adequate maritime domain awareness.
Government Response to Improve Maritime Security in Nigeria
Recognizing the importance of a secure maritime environment, Nigeria has implemented several key initiatives:
The Deep Blue Project
Spearheaded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, the Deep Blue Project is Nigeria’s most comprehensive maritime security initiative to date. The project includes:
- Special Mission Vessels and aircraft
- Coastal surveillance and command centers
- Fast intervention boats and unmanned drones
- An integrated maritime intelligence architecture
This has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s ability to monitor and respond to threats across its coastal waters.
SPOMO Act (Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offenses)
Passed in 2019, the SPOMO Act is a legal framework that criminalizes piracy and maritime crime, even beyond Nigeria’s territorial waters. It has empowered the judiciary to successfully prosecute several high-profile piracy cases, strengthening the legal foundation for maritime security in Nigeria.
Regional and International Collaboration
Nigeria is a key player in the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, a regional initiative aimed at joint maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and capacity building across West and Central Africa. The country also partners with international organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), INTERPOL, and the EU to bolster its maritime defense strategy.
Progress So Far: A Positive Turn for Maritime Security in Nigeria
The results of Nigeria’s efforts are becoming evident. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a significant drop in piracy incidents across the Gulf of Guinea in recent years, with Nigeria accounting for most of the improvement. This positive trend has boosted investor confidence, reduced war-risk premiums, and positioned Nigeria as a safer maritime trade hub in West Africa.
Additionally, programs such as the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) have improved transparency and reduced non-physical security issues like bribery and corruption at the ports.
Remaining Challenges to Maritime Security in Nigeria
Despite commendable progress, several gaps still hinder optimal maritime security in Nigeria:
- Sustainability of Security Assets: The maintenance and operational costs of platforms like Deep Blue require consistent funding and technical support.
- Corruption and Governance Issues: Weak enforcement mechanisms and corrupt practices continue to undermine progress.
- Community Engagement: Coastal communities are not yet fully integrated into national security plans, leaving room for local collusion with criminal elements.
- Technological Integration: Inter-agency data sharing and real-time decision-making infrastructure need further development.
Recommendations: Strengthening Maritime Security in Nigeria
To build a resilient and future-proof maritime security framework, Nigeria should consider the following:
- Institutional Strengthening: Expand training and resourcing of naval, coast guard, and law enforcement personnel.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Encourage private sector investment and community-based security initiatives to complement government efforts.
- Digital Transformation: Deploy artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and big data analytics to enhance surveillance.
- Environmental Protection Laws: Enforce tougher rules on marine pollution and illegal fishing.
- Sustained Political Will: Ensure that maritime security remains a long-term national and budgetary priority.
Conclusion
Maritime security in Nigeria is evolving—transitioning from a state of chronic vulnerability to one of proactive, coordinated defense. With strategic investments, legal reforms, and robust partnerships, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a secure maritime domain that supports economic growth, regional integration, and global trade.
Sustaining these gains, however, requires continuous innovation, community engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration. For Nigeria and its stakeholders, the ocean is not just a frontier of risk—it is a domain of immense opportunity, provided it is made secure for all.