Implementing International Maritime Security Standards in Nigerian Ports: A Framework for Success
Introduction
Maritime security has become an issue of increasing importance in recent years, especially with the rise in piracy, terrorism, and other illicit activities affecting global shipping routes. Nigerian ports in particular face unique challenges when it comes to meeting international maritime security standards. As the largest economy in Africa with an extensive coastline and busy ports, Nigeria plays a pivotal role in both regional and international maritime trade. However, issues like corruption, inadequate resources, and poor coordination among security agencies have hampered efforts to secure Nigerian ports and bring them in line with international best practices.
This essay examines the current status of maritime security in Nigerian ports, international standards for port and maritime security, and key elements that should be included in a comprehensive framework to improve security and compliance in Nigerian ports. Effective implementation of enhanced security measures will require addressing corruption, increasing transparency, improving infrastructure and technology, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and developing capacity among security personnel. With a concerted effort underpinned by political will, Nigerian ports can substantially improve maritime domain awareness and contribute to safer and more secure seas in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Current Security Situation in Nigerian Ports
Nigeria has approximately 800 km of coastline, with maritime boundaries on the Gulf of Guinea in the south and the Atlantic Ocean in the west (Onuoha, 2016). The country has a total of six major seaports, including the ports of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, and Onne. These ports serve as important hubs for both regional and international trade, handling over 90% of goods imported into West Africa (Onuoha, 2016). At the same time, they have become hotspots for criminal activity like piracy, black market oil theft, smuggling, and more.
While precise data is lacking, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has escalated over the past decade. One report identified 112 recorded incidents just between January and September 2019 (Vrey, 2019). Militant groups in the Niger Delta frequently engage in piracy, kidnapping, and attacks on oil infrastructure to fund their operations and exert political leverage. Maritime crime also bleeds into onshore problems like drug and arms trafficking, which fuels instability in the Niger Delta and surrounding areas (Vrey, 2019).
In addition to piracy and related crimes, Nigerian ports grapple with more conventional threats to port infrastructure and cargo. Lapses in perimeter security, inadequate screening procedures, and corruption among security officials leave ports vulnerable to potential intrusion or terrorist attacks. Smuggling remains another risk, both in terms of evading customs duties and taxes as well as trafficking illicit goods like drugs, weapons, and crude oil stolen from pipelines (Onuoha, 2016).
While many of these security risks are not unique to Nigeria, improving maritime security has proven especially difficult. Contributing factors include inadequate resources, crumbling infrastructure, corruption, lack of maintenance, ineffective police and naval coordination, and lack of jurisdictional clarity between various port authorities (Onuoha, 2016). These systemic issues must be addressed through legal, institutional, and operational reforms to bring Nigerian ports into alignment with international security standards.
International Standards and Best Practices
A number of international organizations and initiatives have established standards, guidelines, and recommendations aimed at enhancing maritime security. Nigerian policymakers can draw upon these to develop an appropriate framework tailored to local contexts and needs. Some of the key global standards include:
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: Developed in 2002, the ISPS Code provides a framework for cooperation between governments, agencies, local authorities, and the shipping and port industries to detect and assess security threats and take preventive measures against potential attacks. The ISPS Code contains mandatory requirements that vessels and port facilities must meet (IMO, 2016).
International Maritime Organization Guidelines: As the UN specialized agency for maritime affairs, the IMO has adopted numerous guidelines related to port security, facility security assessments, port worker training, and travel document security, among others. These are recommended best practices to supplement mandatory ISPS Code requirements (IMO, 2016).
World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards: The WCO established this framework to strengthen customs enforcement and oversight in international trade and cargo supply chains. Provisions cover advance electronic cargo information, use of modern inspection technology, benefits for compliant traders, cargo and container security, and inter-agency cooperation.
ISO 28000 Standards for Supply Chain Security: This specifies requirements for a security management system, including aspects like security risk assessments, planning, implementation and operation of security controls, performance evaluation, and corrective actions (ISO, 2022).
In addition to these international standards, regional cooperation initiatives like the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, African Maritime Transport Charter, and Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) have established useful frameworks for enhancing maritime governance and security in the Gulf of Guinea (Feldtmann & Roach, 2020).
Key Elements of a Maritime Security Framework for Nigeria
Drawing upon relevant international standards, here are some of the key elements that should be part of a comprehensive maritime security framework for Nigerian ports:
Institutional and Legal Reforms
Establish clear delineation of roles and responsibilities between agencies like Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, and port security departments. Improve coordination mechanisms.
Review and update legislation like the ISPS Code Regulations and Cabotage Act to address gaps and inconsistencies in maritime security legal framework.
Strengthen law enforcement capabilities to investigate and prosecute maritime crimes through appropriate training, resources, forensics, and partnerships like those promoted by the Yaoundé Architecture.
Enhanced Domain Awareness and Information Sharing
Acquire technology like radar, CCTV, and automatic identification systems (AIS) to monitor vessel movements and activities around port areas (Onuoha, 2016). Integrate systems into centralized command center.
Implement protocols for sharing security-related information between agencies as well as reporting suspicious incidents or activities.
Conduct regular simulation exercises to identify gaps and improve multi-agency coordination.
Improved Screening and Access Controls
Develop security plans for each port facility. Conduct regular audits of compliance with ISPS Code and other security procedures.
Implement background checks and identification systems to limit access to restricted areas only to authorized personnel.
Acquire container scanning technology and increase inspection personnel to enhance screening of cargo entering ports (Eski, 2016).
Port Infrastructure and Operational Upgrades
Carry out maintenance and repairs to perimeter fencing, lighting, locks, access controls, and firefighting equipment.
Institute security protocols and contingencies to protect IT systems, electrical grids, and other critical infrastructure.
Improve truck transit areas, cargo storage yards, and hazardous goods handling facilities. Eliminate concealment opportunities.
Capacity Building and Training
Expand recruitment and training programs for maritime law enforcement and naval personnel. Incorporate courses on maritime security strategy, port operations, and tactical response.
Offer frequent refresher courses and exercises to maintain proficiency across security workforce.
Implement training programs on security responsibilities for private sector port operators as mandated under the ISPS Code.
Conclusion
Strengthening maritime security is essential for facilitating legitimate trade and commerce through Nigerian ports, clamping down on criminal activity, and upholding good governance over territorial waters. This essay has reviewed some of the key measures that should be incorporated into a robust maritime security framework tailored to the Nigerian context. Sustainable implementation rests on improving inter-agency coordination, upgrading port infrastructure and procedures, harnessing technology, developing human capacity, and instituting more effective legal and policy frameworks. With Nigeria’s strategic location and expanding port capacities, establishing international-standard maritime security will both enable economic growth and help maintain regional maritime order.
References
Eski, Y. (2016). Port security: Threats and vulnerabilities. In Y. Eski (Ed.), Port security management. CRC Press.
Feldtmann, B., & Roach, J. A. (2020). Maritime security in West Africa: the regional and domestic legal framework. Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies, 7(2), 93-116. https://doi.org/10.2478/jtms-2020-0012
International Maritime Organization. (2016). Guide to maritime security and the ISPS Code. International Maritime Organization.
International Organization for Standardization. (2022). ISO 28000:2007 security management systems for the supply chain. https://www.iso.org/standard/44641.html
Onuoha, F. C. (2016). Maritime security and governance in Nigeria: Pathways to sustainability. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 51(2), 250–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909615592481
Vrey, F. (2019). A decade of Gulf of Guinea piracy. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/a-decade-of-gulf-of-guinea-piracy
