In a legal analysis titled “From Piracy to Fisheries Crime: Reassessing Nigeria’s Maritime Security Framework in the Era of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing,” Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN, FCIArb (U.K.), Notary Public, examines the challenges affecting Nigeria’s efforts to combat fisheries-related crimes.
The analysis identifies outdated legislation, inadequate penalties, weak surveillance systems, fragmented institutional responsibilities and poor coordination among enforcement agencies as major obstacles to effective enforcement.
It argues that Nigeria needs a broader maritime-security approach that recognises illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as a serious enforcement concern while maintaining a clear distinction between fisheries violations, piracy and other serious maritime offences.
The publication also examines gaps in Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework, particularly in surveillance, evidence gathering and prosecution. It highlights the importance of regional cooperation and coordinated enforcement in addressing fisheries crime.
Among the proposed reforms are the modernisation of fisheries legislation, stronger enforcement measures and sanctions, improved inter-agency coordination, and the integration of fisheries protection into Nigeria’s wider maritime-security framework.
The analysis underscores the needa for a more effective legal and institutional response to protect Nigeria’s marine resources, strengthen maritime governance and safeguard the interests of coastal communities.
Read the full analysis here:
https://omaplex.com.ng/from-piracy-to-fisheries-crime-reassessing-nigerias-maritime-security-framework-in-the-era-of-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-fishing/
Salus populi suprema lex esto.
Follow Omaplex Law Firm on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/om_dlaw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@om_dlaw
Scientia potentia est.
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja