Maritime security strategy and operational performance in the fourth republic

Abstract

This study examines the maritime security strategies adopted by Nigerian government to ensure maximum security in the Nigeria maritime domain. The study looked at maritime security as the preventive and responsive actions to guard against threats and intended illegitimate acts in Nigeria. It tries to evaluate maritime security strategy and operational performance under the Fourth Republic. The study relies on secondary data with leverage on content analysis by examining literature concerning maritime security strategy and operational performance in the fourth republic through search for publicly available material and literature. The study engaged Routine Activity theory which explained that crime is the aftermath of combined result of three indispensable elements; motivated offender, suitable targets and the absence of capable guardians. The study revealed that Nigerian maritime security has a direct bearing on the State’s capacity to secure its national assets from attack. The study also discovered that the threats, and the inability of the Gulf of Guinea countries to adequately manage their maritime security have led to a call for regional approaches and external support to enhance Security in the Maritime environment. The study reveals that there is yet no national maritime policy which would capture the elements of maritime security. The study submitted that the protracted process of considering a Bill for maritime security apparently is a pointer to the lukewarm attitude towards the subject which confirms the need for political commitment to maritime security matters. The study recommends an urgent review of the existing maritime security architecture and increased investment to secure port facilities, maritime assets and the entire maritime domain.