Exploring Maritime Insecurity Management Strategies for Comparative Advantage in Nigeria’s Maritime Zones

Abstract

Maritime insecurity has emerged as one of the most decisive structural constraints undermining Nigeria’s ability to convert its vast maritime endowments into sustainable economic advantage. This study investigates the implications of maritime insecurity threats on economic sustenance in Africa. Five objectives, five research questions and one hypothesis were proposed, answered and tested respectively in this study. Data was generated from 189 respondents, comprising of personnel from maritime security agencies, port and maritime administrative institutions, and maritime-dependent economic operators, using researchers’ developed questionnaire titled ‘Maritime Insecurity Management Strategies for Comparative Advantage Questionnaire’ (MIMSCAQ). Using mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation analysis, regression and ANOVA, the researchers found out that maritime insecurity constitutes a high-extent limiting factor on port efficiency, logistics reliability, maritime investment, and sustainable blue economy exploitation in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study found a moderate extent of reduction in maritime crimes following the implementation of existing maritime insecurity management strategies. Again, improved maritime security contributes significantly to the comparative economic advantage of Nigeria’s maritime zones. Finally, institutional challenges are the most severe constraints to effective maritime security management. Consequently, the researchers concluded that while Nigeria has made notable progress in maritime insecurity management, the full economic benefits of maritime security can only be realized through coordinated institutional reform, sustained operational capacity, and technologically driven security systems. Based on the conclusion, the researchers recommended for robust institutional coordination, technologically enabled security management and enforcement, and operationally coherent security frameworks.