The Federal Government has been urged to combat corruption, high debt burdens, outdated infrastructure, non-implementation of policies, environmental degradation, socioeconomic pressure, high unemployment and other issues impeding the Nigerian Navy’s fight against piracy, oil theft and other maritime criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
In an analysis titled: ‘Navigating the Stormy Seas: Why the Nigerian Navy Faces Challenges in Maritime Security’, a United States-certified maritime and anti-piracy security specialist, Captain Alfred Oniye, stated that the Nigerian Navy continues to encounter numerous obstacles undermining its efforts to safeguard maritime regions.
Oniye noted that corruption within the system is a major impediment, describing it as “an anchor-dragging down the Nigerian Navy’s efforts”, as funds intended for maintaining equipment and enhancing operations are often diverted. He explained that the mismanagement of resources meant for security leads to deteriorating infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment and compromised operations, which significantly hampers the Navy’s ability to secure Nigeria’s waters.
Alfred indicated that the country’s economic woes, including its high debt burden, constrain the resources allocated to maritime security. He linked the outdated equipment and reduced patrol frequency and presence in critical areas to budget shortfalls.
“Imagine trying to sail a ship with holes in the hull; it is an uphill battle. The Navy’s ability to effectively cover critical areas is severely impacted by the country’s financial difficulties. It is like trying to navigate stormy seas with a leaky boat,” Oniye explained.
The security expert emphasised that the Nigerian Navy faces a multifaceted threat environment beyond piracy, including issues of militancy, oil theft, and illegal fishing, each demanding unique strategies.
Oniye described the difficulty in simultaneously combating these interconnected problems as “trying to untangle a web of threats.” He stated that the outdated state of naval infrastructure further weakens Nigeria’s efforts to address maritime security.
Oniye likened the Navy’s equipment to “trying to catch a speedboat with a rowboat,” stressing the urgency of upgrading ships, facilities, and technology to meet modern-day threats.
He urged that investment in infrastructure is essential for the Navy to be effective. He also pointed to poor governance and inefficient policy implementation as additional barriers to progress.
While the Deep Blue Project, a government initiative to enhance maritime security, has the potential to be transformative, Oniye said its execution has faced significant delays and operational hurdles.
Oniye highlighted that environmental degradation and socioeconomic challenges, such as unemployment, are pushing many Nigerians toward maritime crimes. He explained that traditional livelihoods are being eroded, leading many people, in desperation, to turn to illegal activities.
The security expert noted that instability in neighbouring countries continues to spill over into Nigeria’s maritime domain, complicating efforts to maintain security through cross-border criminal activity.
He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, pointing out that international partnerships are key to addressing this issue. Oniye called for a deeper focus on addressing these underlying issues, emphasising that socioeconomic reform is essential for long-term maritime security.
To steer the Nigerian Navy toward success, he advocated for a comprehensive approach that included tackling corruption, improving the country’s economic stability and modernising naval infrastructure.
He also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of maritime crime, particularly environmental and socioeconomic factors. Oniye believes that with a sustained commitment to these reforms, the Navy can rise to the challenge of securing Nigeria’s vast and critical maritime domain.
