Maritime Piracy and the Sustainable Development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy

Abstract

Maritime security is critical to economic stability, international trade, and national sovereignty, yet the sector faces persistent challenges, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). Threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, oil theft, and terrorism undermine regional stability and economic development. Nigeria, as a major player in the GoG, has prioritised maritime security through national diplomacy to address these challenges. Therefore, the study examined the detrimental impact of maritime piracy on Nigeria’s blue economy. The study employed a mixed-method design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. Key Informant Interviews were conducted to gather qualitative insights, while structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from stakeholders. The study identified significant challenges of maritime security in Nigeria, such as poor performance in fishing, fisheries and maritime tourism. The study revealed a strong correlation between piracy and the decline of Nigeria’s blue economy, highlighting the need for robust security measures to curb piracy and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s coastal resources for sustainable economic development. The study concludes that national diplomacy is indispensable for tackling the complexities of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The study recommended that Nigerian government should strengthen its maritime security diplomacy, enhance regional collaboration, and secure its maritime interests effectively by expanding bilateral and multilateral partnerships, enhancing resource allocation for maritime operations, fostering trust through transparent engagements, and strengthening institutional frameworks.