Piracy on Nigerian Waters

Piracy in Nigerian waters is a problem that does not headline as much as other violent conflicts in Nigeria, but it remains a salient issue. Piracy has long posed a significant menace in Nigerian waters, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, which has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous maritime territories in the world. While international attention often concentrates on piracy off the coast of Somalia, the dynamics in Nigeria pose a very different set of issues and have far-reaching implications for international trade, regional stability, and the lives of millions. A mix of economic desperation, maritime governance weakness, and lucrative opportunities for organised crime has traditionally driven piracy in Nigerian waters.

The Niger Delta is rich in oil resources but poverty-stricken and underdeveloped, making it a hotbed for piracy. Initial incidents were often linked to local discontent with the exploitation of oil, and attacks on oil installations and kidnappings of foreign workers gradually became routine. These criminal activities grew into more organised and sophisticated manifestations of piracy. Pirates operating in the Gulf of Guinea have been recognised for their use of violence, which included hijacking, kidnapping for ransom, or theft of established cargoes. In 2020, the area accounted for close to 95% of all global kidnappings at sea, highlighting the seriousness of the threat. The prevailing condition of piracy within Nigerian waters is still a cause for concern, but recent reports suggest a strategy shift. While the attacks on large commercial vessels have reduced due in part to increased naval patrols and international attention, pirates seem to have shifted operations to smaller vessels and coastal communities. In a 2023 report, The Guardian indicated that pirates have now shifted their focus and increasingly attack onshore targets, including oil and gas installations, in addition to abducting people from towns along the coast. This shift underscores the adaptability of pirate networks and the persistent vulnerabilities facing maritime and coastal security in Nigeria. Despite efforts to strengthen naval capabilities, the length and complexity of Nigeria’s coastline make any effective monitoring and securing significantly difficult.

Piracy in Nigerian waters carries enormous economic implications. The Gulf of Guinea offers a vital sea route for international trade, especially considering Nigeria is the largest oil producer on the African continent and relies heavily on exporting oil and gas. Frequent pirate attacks disrupt shipping, increase insurance costs, and drive up the price of goods. According to a report by Lloyd’s List, piracy has emerged as a substantial threat to Nigeria’s maritime economy, which could deter investment and hinder economic growth. Furthermore, the apprehension surrounding piracy has resulted in the rerouting of vessels, leading to delays and increased fuel expenditures. The long-term consequences for Nigeria’s economy are alarming, given that the nation depends significantly on maritime trade for its revenue. The implications of piracy reach beyond financial considerations to include social effects, given that piracy has increased poverty and instability in coastal areas and prolonged a cycle of violence and criminality. Due to these current threats, piracy has prompted many new attempts to strengthen security in Nigeria’s maritime environment. The Nigerian Navy has increased its patrols in identified high-risk areas with some international support through joint naval exercises and capacity-building initiatives. The Code of Conduct, signed by countries in West and Central Africa in 2013, aims to strengthen regional cooperation in combating piracy, armed robbery against ships, and other illegal activities.

Despite efforts, problems remain: corruption, under-funding, and coordination amongst disparate security services prevent full effectiveness against piracy operations. Prosecution of pirates in Nigeria is weak, with very few prosecutions of suspected pirates. In the international arena, private security firms have significantly contributed to vessel protection in Nigerian waters. However, armed guards on commercial ships are a source of ethical and legal concerns, especially about the rules of engagement and the possibility of escalation. Nigeria stands to learn a lot from other regions that have dealt successfully with piracy. For instance, South Korea’s approach to combating piracy in the Strait of Malacca involved military action, regional cooperation, and economic development programs. According to a paper published in the MarSafeLaw Journal, similar efforts could be replicated in Nigeria by focusing on the lives of coastal communities to make piracy less attractive.

The future of piracy in Nigerian waters will depend on the country’s ability to address the root causes of the problem. This includes enhancing maritime security and tackling the socioeconomic conditions that drive individuals to piracy. Community engagement, economic development, and job creation in coastal areas are crucial to breaking the cycle of violence and criminality. More international cooperation is also required to keep piracy in the Gulf of Guinea high on the global agenda. The international community should continue to support Nigeria and its neighbours in putting solid legal frameworks in place, intelligence sharing, and combined maritime operations. Piracy in Nigerian waters still poses a threat with its spillover effects. While development has occurred recently, much work still needs to be done to ensure maritime trade routes’ security and coastal communities’ safety.