Maritime security and blue economy development in Nigeria: A structural equation model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2025.272954Keywords:
Maritime security; Blue Economy; Piracy; Oil theft; Gulf of GuineaAbstract
The Nigerian Niger Delta region has been described as the epicenter of piracy and kidnapping for ransom of seafarers and other maritime crimes, especially in the Gulf of Guinea region. This paper aims to evaluate maritime security and blue economy development in Nigeria using structural equation modelling. The study adopts a quantitative research methodology and expost facto research design. 33 year (1990 - 2022) time series secondary data are sourced from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Nigerian Ports Authority annual reports, CBN statistical bulletin, NOSDRA, and NPA annual statistics. The data obtained are transformed, cleaned, and subjected to confirmatory factor analysis, measurement modelling and structural equation modelling using AMOS (V23). From the structural equations analysis, the specified models meet the minimum/necessary conditions (Df => 0) for model identification. The findings of the study reveal that 56 % of maritime security threats in Nigeria waters can be predicted by the number of crewmen kidnapped for ransom, 55 % by pirates’ attacks, and 92 % by crude oil theft in Nigerian waters. Similarly, the results reveal that maritime security threats (MST) have a significant effect on blue economy development in Nigeria. Imperatively, adequate maritime security measures stimulate confidence among local and international stakeholders, attracting investments, encouraging trade partnerships, and enhancing the country’s position as a reliable maritime hub. Therefore, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should prioritize cooperation and collaboration with other regional navies to ensure adequate maritime domain awareness and security interdiction within her exclusive economic zone, as provided by the Yaoundé code of conduct security architecture.
Highlights
- Nigerian government should prioritise cooperation and collaborations with other regional navies to ensure adequate maritime domain awareness and security interdiction.
- Maritime security threats (MST) have a significant effect on blue economy development in Nigeria.
- The locals’ resort to low-risk high reward criminal ventures at sea to eke a living.
- The Blue Economy discourse is based on the triumvirate pillars of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
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