Posted: May 1st, 2024

A risk assessment of piracy and maritime crime threats to Nigerian ports and ships

A risk assessment of piracy and maritime crime threats to Nigerian ports and ships.
Risk Assessment of Piracy and Maritime Crime Threats to Nigerian Ports and Ships
Nigeria, a West African nation, boasts a prominent maritime sector, contributing significantly to its economy. However, its ports and ships face persistent threats from piracy and other maritime crimes. This essay assesses these risks, examining their nature, scope, and potential consequences, while exploring relevant mitigation strategies.

Nature of the Threat:
Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), where Nigeria sits, primarily involves small-scale, opportunistic attacks on merchant vessels, often targeting smaller tankers and offshore support vessels [Igbokwe, 2012]. Perpetrators typically employ skiffs and rudimentary weaponry, aiming for quick cargo theft and crew abductions for ransom [Standard Club, 2023]. These attacks are often highly coordinated, exploiting vulnerabilities in poorly lit areas and weak enforcement measures [ClassNK, 2023].

Beyond piracy, other maritime crimes plague Nigerian waters, including armed robbery at sea, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and human trafficking. These diverse criminal activities create a complex security landscape, further jeopardizing maritime safety and economic stability [UNODC, 2021].

Scope and Impact:
While the frequency of piracy incidents in the GoG has shown a recent decline, Nigeria remains a hotspot [IMB, 2023]. Attacks primarily occur near the Niger Delta and close to major ports like Lagos and Bonny [Standard Club, 2023]. This not only disrupts legitimate trade but also deters foreign investment, impacting the nation’s economic growth and development [Igbokwe, 2012].

Furthermore, piracy and maritime crime pose significant human costs. Crew members subjected to attacks face physical harm, psychological trauma, and prolonged captivity, leading to long-lasting consequences for their well-being [UNODC, 2021].

Vulnerability and Contributing Factors:
Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s vulnerability to piracy and maritime crime. These include:

Limited maritime law enforcement capabilities: The Nigerian Navy, while actively patrolling its waters, faces resource constraints and logistical challenges in effectively covering vast maritime areas [Olusola, 2018].
Unguarded coastlines: Extensive unguarded coastlines, particularly in the Niger Delta, provide safe havens for criminal activities [UNODC, 2021].
Porous maritime borders: Weak border controls and inadequate surveillance systems facilitate the movement of illicit goods and personnel [Igbokwe, 2012].
Socio-economic factors: Poverty, unemployment, and societal inequalities in coastal communities can incentivize individuals to engage in criminal activities at sea [UNODC, 2021].
Mitigation Strategies:
Combating piracy and maritime crime in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing:

Strengthening maritime law enforcement: Investing in the Nigerian Navy’s capacity through improved equipment, training, and interagency collaboration with regional and international partners is crucial. This includes fostering information sharing and coordinated patrols [Olusola, 2018].
Enhancing maritime domain awareness: Implementing comprehensive surveillance systems, including coastal radars and satellite monitoring, enables authorities to better detect and respond to suspicious activities at sea [UNODC, 2021].
Addressing socio-economic factors: Long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of these crimes by investing in coastal communities, promoting alternative livelihoods, and fostering economic development opportunities [UNODC, 2021].
Promoting international cooperation: Collaboration with regional and international stakeholders through information sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building initiatives is vital for tackling cross-border maritime crime effectively [IMB, 2023].
Conclusion:
Nigeria’s maritime sector faces significant threats from piracy and other maritime crimes. These pose a complex challenge requiring a multifaceted response. By strengthening law enforcement, enhancing maritime domain awareness, addressing root causes, and fostering international cooperation, Nigeria can create a safer and more secure maritime environment, fostering economic prosperity and protecting the well-being of its citizens.

Word count: 798

Note: This essay provides a concise overview of the risk assessment. However, it can be further expanded by including in-depth analysis, statistics, and specific examples to strengthen the arguments. Additionally, exploring the specific roles and initiatives of relevant stakeholders, like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the private sector, can further enrich the essay.

Bibliography:

ClassNK. (2023, January 29). BMP West Africa [PDF]. [invalid URL removed]
Igbokwe, P. C. (2012). Policy evaluation on implementation of ISPS code in the Nigerian maritime industry. World Maritime University, commons.wmu.se
International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

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