MARITIME SECURITY AND PIRACY MITIGATION IN THE GULF OF GUINEA

ABSTRACT

Maritime security has become a prominent area where the larger interests of states can reverberate. Piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters have often frustrated economic and social activities. This research examined Nigeria’s coastal surveillance plan in the context of maritime security and piracy mitigation around the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The study used primary and secondary data sources to investigate the nature and consequences of piracy around Nigerian coastal areas. Findings showed that maritime security challenges damages the country’s international image and national interest as the outside world sees the nation as an unsecured area and hence there is a disincentive for foreign investment in Nigeria, which deepens the problem of unemployment, and entrenches capital flight in Nigeria. The verdict also reflect that maritime security in Nigeria is dependent on the availability of critical security equipment and the relevant manpower. The study reveals that these challenges can be overcome through the procurement of relevant infrastructure and other necessary tools.