Maritime Crime Pathways in the Gulf of Guinea and Their Effects on Nigeria’s Economic Interests

Abstract

The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) remained one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions because of its vital role in global trade, energy transportation, fisheries, and maritime commerce. As the largest economy and leading oil producer in the region, Nigeria had significant economic interests that depended on the security and stability of the Gulf. However, persistent maritime crimes including piracy, armed robbery at sea, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and human trafficking continued to undermine maritime governance and economic development. This study examined the effects of maritime crimes on Nigeria’s economic interests in the Gulf of Guinea using a qualitative research design and thematic analysis of secondary data. Data were drawn from reports and publications of the European Commission (2025), International Maritime Bureau (2024), International Maritime Organization (2025), United Nations Conference reviews (2024), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021), and other relevant scholarly sources. The findings revealed that maritime crimes significantly reduced oil revenues, disrupted maritime trade, discouraged foreign direct investment, depleted fisheries resources, and constrained the realization of Nigeria’s blue economy objectives. Although initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and regional maritime security frameworks contributed to improved surveillance and enforcement, challenges including illegal fishing, crude oil theft, and transnational organized crime remained prevalent. Guided by Routine Activity Theory, the study argued that the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and inadequate maritime guardianship created conditions that facilitated these crimes. The study concluded that strengthening integrated maritime governance, enhancing law enforcement capacity, addressing the socioeconomic drivers of maritime crime, expanding regional and international cooperation, and promoting sustainable blue economy policies were essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests in the Gulf of Guinea.