This paper examines how Nigeria can use maritime diplomacy to enhance security and drive blue economy development in the Gulf of Guinea, arguing that while the country has significant ocean-based economic potential, persistent threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and oil theft undermine progress. Using qualitative analysis, the authors find that Nigeria’s current strategy is overly focused on oil and shipping and that its diplomatic efforts—though present at bilateral and multilateral levels—have achieved limited success due to the insufficient involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The study concludes that strengthening diplomatic coordination and expanding focus beyond oil into sectors like tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy is essential for unlocking sustainable economic growth and regional maritime security.
Ijuye-Dagogo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.