Stakeholder Perceptions of Maritime Security Risks in the Lagos Port Complex
Maritime security is a vital aspect of the global economy, as it affects the movement of goods and people across the oceans. However, maritime security is also threatened by various risks, such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, environmental pollution, and cyberattacks. These risks can have negative impacts on the safety of seafarers, the integrity of cargo, the efficiency of port operations, and the stability of regional and international trade.
The Lagos Port Complex (LPC) is the largest and busiest port in Nigeria, and one of the most important ports in West Africa. It handles about 80% of Nigeria’s imports and exports, and serves as a gateway to the region. However, the LPC also faces significant maritime security challenges, such as congestion, infrastructure decay, corruption, poor governance, inadequate regulation, and lack of coordination among stakeholders. These challenges expose the LPC to various security risks, such as theft, vandalism, stowaways, illegal bunkering, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
The aim of this research essay is to examine the stakeholder perceptions of maritime security risks in the LPC, and how they affect the port performance and competitiveness. The research will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The quantitative data will be obtained from a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of port users, such as ship owners, operators, agents, cargo owners, terminal operators, customs officers, port authorities, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. The qualitative data will be obtained from semi-structured interviews with key informants from the same stakeholder groups. The data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as thematic analysis.
The expected outcome of this research is to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the maritime security risks in the LPC, and how they are perceived and managed by different stakeholders. The research will also identify the gaps and challenges in the current maritime security framework and practices in the LPC, and provide recommendations for improvement. The research will contribute to the existing literature on maritime security in Nigeria and West Africa, and provide useful insights for policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in enhancing maritime security in the region.
Bibliography/References:
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– Ports & Terminals: Risk Challenges and Solutions – Marsh. (2018). Retrieved 11 March 2024 from https://www.marsh.com/content/dam/marsh/Documents/PDF/US-en/ports-and-terminals-risk-challenges-solutions.pdf
– Osondu-Ikpeze C., Mbachu J., & Nwokedi T.C. (2020). Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea and Ship calls in Nigerian Ports. Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The), 11(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/25725084.2020.178820
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– Osondu-Ikpeze C., Mbachu J., & Nwokedi T.C. (2018). Maritime Security: A Panacea for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development (IJIRD), 7(9), 1-13.
– Osondu-Ikpeze C., Mbachu J., & Nwokedi T.C. (2018). Socioeconomic Factors and Navigational Safety among Marine Pilots in Lagos Ports. TransNav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation , 12(3), 487-492.
