Nigeria Maritime Security Index Increases

StableSea Reports that Nigeria is an economic powerhouse on the African continent, but is plagued by security concerns—both physical and economic—which impact a considerable proportion of its population. Lagos, the country’s economic center, is also the location of Nigeria’s largest seaport, the Lagos Port Complex. Nigeria’s position as an economic giant has facilitated simultaneous growth in illicit markets and crime, including piracy and armed robbery at sea and illegal trafficking of arms and drugs. However, Nigeria possesses a sizeable and capable navy.

GOOD GOVERNANCE:
Nigeria’s Good Governance score is slightly above the average among Gulf of Guinea countries, but efforts to address pervasive corruption and to improve government efficiency would raise the overall score. In addition to HIGH LEVELS OF CORRUPTION AMONG PORT USERS, OPERATORS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, OUTDATED INFRASTRUCTURE HAS ALSO WEAKENED EFFICIENCY, making formal trade difficult and enabling illicit markets.

ECONOMIC RESILIENCE:
In order for Nigeria to improve its Economic Resilience score, COASTAL INSECURITIES, BOTH PHYSICAL AND ECONOMIC, MUST BE PRIORITIZED. In the face of poverty and economic inequality, illicit activity is an increasingly attractive option, but one that
further endangers coastal populations.

SECURITY AT SEA:
The GULF OF GUINEA IS A GLOBAL PIRACY HOTSPOT, AND NIGERIA IS AT THE CENTER OF THE PROBLEM. Reported piracy incidents remain high and worryingly, the region reported an increase in the number of crew members kidnapped. Additionally, Nigeria represents a growing hub for illicit activities such as trafficking of narcotics and wildlife products. While the Nigerian government has invested in maritime security developments to curb piracy and armed robbery in Nigerian waters, these types of incidents still pose a significant threat.

The Stable Seas Maritime Security Index measures and maps nine maritime security issues. This tool highlights pressing maritime security challenges, transnational efforts to improve maritime governance, and the links connecting these issues to each other. This edition of the index covers 71 littoral countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.