Posted: August 14th, 2022

Evaluating the impacts of corruption in Nigerian ports on operations, safety and security

## **Evaluating the Impacts of Corruption in Nigerian Ports on Operations, Safety, and Security**

### **Introduction**

Nigeria’s ports have long grappled with corruption, posing significant risks to member companies, their vessels, and seafarers. Extortion, harassment, and threats of violence have plagued maritime operations. The lack of consistent regulations and procedures in ports and terminals has granted authorities wide discretionary powers. However, recent efforts have aimed to address these issues head-on.

### **The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN)**

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption in Nigerian ports. MACN collaborates with the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi) to ensure seafarers calling at Nigerian ports are safe from corrupt demands. Their groundbreaking initiative involves the world’s first real-time incident reporting tool and a connected HelpDesk. These tools have significantly reduced corrupt demands and earned MACN the Basel Institute’s 2022 Collective Action Award for Outstanding Achievement.

### **Results-Based Approach**

MACN’s data-driven approach has empowered the private sector while reducing risks and associated costs for vessels and companies. Let’s delve into some key outcomes:

1. **Reduced Corruption Incidents**: In 2020/2021, the number of corruption incidents reported through MACN’s anonymous incident reporting system dropped significantly.

2. **Improved Case Resolution Time**: Before the HelpDesk operation, case resolution (where companies formally challenge officials’ reports against vessels and crew) took up to 7–10 days. In 2021, MACN reported an average case resolution time of 1–4 hours.

3. **Cost Savings**: For shipowners, operational costs (including staying in port, delayed ships, and processing paperwork) have been reduced from approximately USD 150,000 to USD 20,000 per port call.

### **Critical Success Factors**

Three critical elements contributed to this success:

1. **Strong Political Will**: Strategic alignment with political priorities and sustained engagement with high-level contacts facilitated change.

2. **Methodical Situational Assessment**: A well-planned intervention based on a corruption risk assessment pushed for incremental change around “what is possible.”

3. **Collective Action**: Collaboration among stakeholders—both public and private—was essential for achieving tangible results.

### **Conclusion**

The fight against corruption in Nigerian ports is ongoing but promising. By leveraging data-driven strategies, engaging political will, and fostering collective action, we can continue to make progress toward safer and more efficient maritime operations.

#### **References:**

1. Basel Institute on

The Corrosive Impact: How Corruption Undermines Nigerian Ports’ Operations, Safety, and Security
Abstract:
Nigerian ports play a crucial role in the nation’s economy, facilitating international trade and fostering local development. However, widespread corruption continues to pose a significant threat, jeopardizing port operations, compromising safety standards, and weakening security measures. This essay delves into the multifaceted impacts of corruption on Nigerian ports, analyzing its detrimental effects on efficiency, safety, and security. Furthermore, it explores potential solutions and ongoing efforts to combat this pervasive issue.

Introduction:
As the gateway to international trade, efficient and secure port operations are essential for any nation’s economic prosperity. Nigeria, with its vast coastline and growing economy, heavily relies on its ports for facilitating imports, exports, and domestic cargo movement. Despite significant investments in infrastructure development, Nigerian ports continue to grapple with a persistent challenge: corruption. This essay examines the multifaceted ways in which corruption undermines the effectiveness and integrity of port operations, jeopardizing safety and security.

The Corrosive Effects of Corruption on Port Operations:

Reduced Efficiency: Corruption often manifests in the form of bribery and facilitation payments demanded by port officials to expedite cargo clearance or bypass standard procedures (Akpofure, 2018). This creates an uneven playing field, favoring those who can afford to pay, while hindering legitimate businesses and stifling competition. Consequently, cargo processing times lengthen, leading to delays, increased storage costs, and ultimately, higher overall transportation costs for businesses.

Disincentivize Investment: The unpredictable and non-transparent nature of corruption discourages potential investors from venturing into the Nigerian maritime sector (Okafor, 2021). Investors are hesitant to navigate an environment where success hinges on navigating corrupt practices rather than merit and sound business practices. This hinders the development of modern port infrastructure and technological advancements, further hampering operational efficiency.

Erosion of Public Trust: Endemic corruption erodes public trust in port authorities and the government, fostering a sense of disenfranchisement and hindering collaboration (Transparency International, 2023). This weakens the overall transparency and accountability of port operations, making them susceptible to further exploitation and manipulation by corrupt individuals or entities.

Safety Compromised: A Recipe for Disaster:

Substandard Maintenance: Corruption can incentivize the neglect of essential maintenance procedures for port infrastructure and equipment (Akpan, 2016). The desire for short-term financial gain can lead to the prioritization of bribes over safety-critical repairs and upgrades. This compromises the integrity of port facilities, increasing the risk of accidents, equipment malfunctions, and potential environmental damage.

Inadequate Training and Certification: The prevalence of bribery can facilitate the bypassing of proper training and certification processes for port personnel (Nigerian Ports Authority, 2022). This creates a situation where individuals lacking the necessary skills and knowledge are entrusted with crucial safety responsibilities, significantly increasing the risk of operational errors and accidents.

Unchecked Illegal Activity: Corruption weakens the effectiveness of security measures and border controls at ports (World Bank, 2020). This can create vulnerabilities that allow for the smuggling of contraband, unauthorized personnel access, and even the entry of potential security threats.

Threats to Security: A Breeding Ground for Illicit Activity:

Facilitation of Transnational Crime: Corrupt port officials can become complicit in facilitating the movement of illicit goods, weapons, and narcotics (Egbune, 2022). This not only undermines national security but also contributes to the proliferation of organized crime and fuels regional instability.

Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery: Weak governance and lax security measures at ports can make them more susceptible to attacks by pirates and armed robbers (International Maritime Organization, 2023). This not only poses a direct threat to crew safety and cargo security but also disrupts supply chains and discourages international maritime trade.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: The increasing reliance on technology in port operations creates new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors (Akerele, 2023). Corruption can impede the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, leaving essential port systems susceptible to cyberattacks and data breaches, potentially compromising national security and disrupting critical infrastructure.

Combating the Corrosive Influence: Strategies for a Brighter Future:

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Frameworks: Implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks, including clear regulations, whistleblower protection mechanisms, and independent oversight bodies, is crucial (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021). These measures can deter corrupt practices, foster transparency, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Investing in Technology: Utilizing technology, such as digital trade platforms and blockchain applications, can streamline processes, improve transparency, and minimize opportunities for human interaction and manipulation, thereby reducing the scope for corruption (World Economic Forum, 2022).

Promoting Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society organizations are essential for tackling corruption effectively (OECD, 2019). By fostering open communication and collaborative strategies, stakeholders can collectively work towards creating a culture of integrity and accountability within the port sector.
Conclusion:

Corruption within Nigerian ports remains a complex and multifaceted challenge with far-reaching consequences. It not only undermines operational efficiency and economic growth but also jeopardizes safety standards and weakens national security. While the path towards combating this pervasive issue requires sustained commitment and multifaceted efforts, implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks, harnessing technology, and fostering collaborative partnerships offer promising avenues for building a more transparent, secure, and efficient port system in Nigeria.

References:

Akerele, A. (2023). Cybersecurity challenges in the Nigerian maritime industry: A critical review. https://www.mdpi.com/1531628
Akpan, M. I. (2016). The impact of corruption on port development in Nigeria. European Journal of Sustainable Development, 5(2), 313-322.
Akpofure, R. (2018). The effects of corruption on trade facilitation in Nigerian seaports. International Journal of Logistics Management, 29(2), 544-564.
Egbune, C. (2022). The impact of transnational organized crime on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Journal of the Nigerian Defence Academy, 36(2), 114-129.
International Maritime Organization. (2023). Piracy and armed robbery at sea: Annual report of the IMO https://www.imo.org/.
Nigerian Ports Authority. (2022). Annual report 2021. https://nigerianports.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NPANewsJune22.pdf
OECD. (2019). Good practices for public-private partnerships to combat corruption. https://www.oecd.org/corruption/OECD-Strategic-Approach-Combating-Corruption-Promoting-Integrity.pdf
Okafor, E. E. (2021). The effect of corruption on economic growth in Nigeria. Journal of Economic Cooperation and Development, 42(4), 1325-1344.
Transparency International. (2023). Corruption perception index 2022. https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2021). Handbook on effective law enforcement responses to corruption. https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/corruption/Handbook.pdf
World Bank. (2020). Strengthening maritime governance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and recommendations. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/498241468742846138/pdf/multi0page.pdf
World Economic Forum. (2022. Fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa through the digital transformation of trade. https://www.weforum.org/press/2022/05/growing-intra-africa-trade-through-digital-transformation-of-customs-and-borders-a9b9b2dcb0/

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Best Research Paper Topics for Examples, Dissertation Topics & Good Thesis Ideas, Research Titles Examples, Thesis and Dissertation Ideas for Research Topics in UK, Thesis Topics for Your Final Academic Project