Maritime security and blue economy development in Nigeria: A structural equation model

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 aimed to evaluate Maritime Security and Blue Economy development in Nigeria using structural equation model. The study adopted a quantitative research methodology and expost facto research design. A 33year (1990 - 2022) time series secondary data were sourced from International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Nigerian Ports Authority annual reports, CBN statistical bulletin, NOSDRA, and NPA annual statistics. The data obtained were transformed, cleaned, and subjected to Confirmatory factor analysis, measurement model and Structural equation modelling using AMOS (V23). From the structural equations analysis, the specified models met the minimum/necessary conditions (Df => 0) for model identification. The findings of the study revealed 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 revealed 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 recommended that the Nigerian government should prioritise cooperation and collaborations 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.