Posted: August 14th, 2022

Comparing Nigeria’s Approach to Regional and International Best Practices

Comparing Nigeria’s Approach to Regional and International Best Practices**.

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# A Comparative Analysis of Maritime Security Strategies: Comparing Nigeria’s Approach to Regional and International Best Practices

## Abstract

This research essay delves into the maritime security strategies adopted by the Nigerian government to ensure maximum security within the Nigeria maritime domain. We explore maritime security as a combination of preventive and responsive actions aimed at safeguarding the maritime sphere against threats and intended illegitimate acts within Nigeria. Our analysis focuses on the effectiveness, gaps, and potential improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security strategy and operational performance under the Fourth Republic. By examining publicly available materials and literature, we aim to provide insights into the current state of maritime security in Nigeria.

## Introduction

Maritime security encompasses a range of preventive and responsive measures designed to protect the maritime domain from threats and illicit activities. In the context of Nigeria, this domain includes all areas related to, adjacent to, or bordering on its sea, ocean, or other navigable waterways. These areas encompass not only physical spaces but also maritime-related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, vessels, and other conveyances.

The Nigerian maritime domain holds significant value for the nation. Its natural assets, importance for transport and trade, power projection, defense capabilities, and intrinsic value contribute to its strategic significance. However, ensuring effective maritime security remains a challenge.

## The Nature of Maritime Security in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

### Challenges and Threats

Nigeria faces several challenges related to maritime security:

1. **Piracy and Armed Robbery:** The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region has gained notoriety as “The New Danger Zone.” Piracy at sea and armed robbery—particularly petro-piracy—pose significant threats. Organized networks target oil drilling platforms and tankers for oil and cargo theft. These criminal activities have substantial financial costs for coastal states and foreign investors.

2. **Vulnerability of Transport Lines:** Disruptions in transport lines impact economic interactions between the region and foreign partners. Recent data shows an alarming increase in attacks within the GoG region.

3. **Weak States and Insurgency:** The GoG comprises weak states with high circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs). Oil theft, sea piracy, and insurgency further exacerbate security challenges.

### Nigerian Maritime Security Strategies

Despite these challenges, Nigeria has implemented various strategies to enhance its maritime security:

1. **Routine Activity Theory:** This theory posits that crime results from a combination of three elements: motivated
A Comparative Analysis of Maritime Security Strategies: Comparing Nigeria’s Approach to Regional and International Best Practices. (Examines effectiveness, gaps, and suggests improvements)
A Comparative Analysis of Maritime Security Strategies: Comparing Nigeria’s Approach to Regional and International Best Practices

Introduction

Maritime security has become an issue of increasing concern in recent years, especially in the Gulf of Guinea region which has faced rising threats from piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling, and maritime terrorism. Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and strategic location along major shipping routes, is at the epicenter of maritime security challenges in the region. This essay comparatively analyzes Nigeria’s maritime security strategies against regional and international best practices to evaluate their effectiveness, identify gaps, and suggest potential improvements.

Regional Framework for Maritime Security Cooperation

In response to the growing maritime security threats, regional institutions have developed frameworks for cooperation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in 2014 to foster a collective approach to maritime security across West Africa. The strategy aims to strengthen maritime governance, build maritime capacities, promote information sharing and maritime domain awareness, and facilitate joint operations (ECOWAS, 2014).

Additionally, the Gulf of Guinea Commission adopted a comprehensive Maritime Security Architecture in 2013 comprised of zonal, national, and regional strategies. The architecture provides a roadmap for Gulf of Guinea states to develop maritime security policies, establish navies, coast guards, and maritime bureaus of investigation, improve maritime domain awareness, and conduct coordinated patrols (Kamal-Deen, 2015).

These regional frameworks endorse many best practices for maritime security, including inter-agency and multilateral coordination, maritime domain awareness systems, joint patrols and operations, and capacity building assistance. The frameworks provide norms and guidelines for Nigeria to align its strategies with regional needs and priorities.

Nigeria’s Existing Maritime Security Policies

Nigeria has taken steps to improve maritime security through policies, agencies, and initiatives. In 2014, Nigeria launched a National Maritime Security Strategy to protect its maritime environment, manage threats, and promote sustainable use of ocean resources (Federal Ministry of Transportation Nigeria, 2014).

Additionally, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) developed a Strategic Action Plan in 2016 focused on enhancing regulatory oversight, building maritime security capabilities, improving surveillance, and fostering multi-agency coordination (NIMASA, 2017).

Other policies include the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 to prosecute maritime crimes, the Deep Blue Project initiative to procure maritime security assets and build capacity, and the establishment of a Maritime Security Unit within the Nigerian Navy to conduct patrols and respond to incidents.

Gaps and Areas for Improvement

Despite these efforts, Nigeria continues to face maritime security challenges. A critical gap is limited operational capabilities and assets. Nigeria has a coastline of over 800km but only around 15 operational naval vessels for patrols, surveillance, and interdiction (Onuoha, 2018). Regional experts estimate over 200 vessels are required for effective maritime coverage (Vrey, 2019). There is a need for greater investment in patrol boats, aircraft, coastal radars, and other maritime capacities.

Additionally, inter-agency coordination remains weak. Over 10 agencies have jurisdiction over maritime security but limited mechanisms exist for collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint operations (Mbiah, 2017). Developing an interagency maritime security coordination center, as ECOWAS advises, could improve coordination.

Furthermore, maritime domain awareness is inadequate. NIMASA’s surveillance capabilities are limited and the Nigerian Navy lacks sufficient reconnaissance planes, patrol aircraft, and satellites to maintain comprehensive maritime situational awareness (Vrey, 2019). Integrating various sensor systems into a collective maritime domain awareness network, as done in Indonesia and Malaysia, could significantly improve maritime visibility.

Finally, regional cooperation on maritime security has been limited. Despite being a signatory to regional frameworks, Nigeria conducts most patrols and operations unilaterally rather than jointly. Participating regularly in multilateral exercises, combined patrols, and information sharing with regional states could strengthen collective maritime security.

Suggestions for Improvement

Based on identified gaps, the following measures could help align Nigeria’s maritime security approach more closely with international and regional best practices:

Procure additional offshore patrol vessels, aircraft, coastal radar systems, and surveillance assets to extend maritime coverage and response capabilities.
Establish an interagency maritime security coordination center for intelligence sharing and joint operations between the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, police, customs, and other agencies.
Develop a collective maritime domain awareness network by integrating surveillance data from various national and regional systems.
Conduct reciprocal ship-rider agreements with regional states to facilitate maritime law enforcement cooperation in each other’s waters.
Participate regularly in regional maritime security exercises and patrols alongside ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea states.
Foster bilateral maritime security partnerships with key regional maritime powers like Ghana and Senegal for training, joint patrols, and capability development.
Seek sustained maritime security assistance from international partners like the US and EU navies to complement domestic capacity building.
Conclusion

While Nigeria has made progress in developing policies and institutions, significant gaps remain compared to regional frameworks and international best practices. Prioritizing maritime security investments, improving interagency coordination, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and fostering regional cooperation could substantially improve the effectiveness of Nigeria’s maritime security approach. Implementing these recommendations will enable Nigeria to strengthen its maritime defenses and help stabilize the wider Gulf of Guinea region.

References

ECOWAS. (2014). ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy. https://ecowas.int/ecowas-integrated-maritime-strategy/

Federal Ministry of Transportation Nigeria. (2014). National Maritime Security Strategy. https://www.transport.gov.ng/documents/National%20Maritime%20Security%20Strategy%202014.pdf

Kamal-Deen, A. (2015). help write my dissertation The Anatomy of Gulf of Guinea Piracy. Naval War College Review, 68(1), 93-118.

Mbiah, K. (2017). The challenges of maritime security in Nigeria. African Security Review, 26(3), 283-302.

NIMASA. (2017). Our Strategic Direction. https://nimasa.gov.ng/strategic-direction/

Onuoha, F. C. (2018). Maritime security and governance in the Gulf of Guinea: Nigerian perspectives and priorities. African Security Review, 27(1), 84-102.

Vrey, F. (2019). Bad tidings from the Gulf of Guinea: A record number of crew kidnapped in 2019. Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 15(3), 322-336.

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