The Impact of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act 2019 in the Fight against Piracy in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian waters are touted as ‘perilous’ and ‘hotspot of piracy’ in the world. The impact of this
notorious tag on the sociopolitical and economic objectives of Nigeria is devastating. The absence
of a standalone legislation outlawing piracy and other maritime crimes in Nigeria was seen as the
reason for the rise in piracy and maritime insecurity within the maritime domain. The National
Assembly of Nigeria enacted the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 to
give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 provisions and the
Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Act against the Safety of Maritime Navigation 1988.
The Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 is designed to punish and deter
piracy and other maritime crimes in Nigeria. This paper assessed the impact of the Suppression of
Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 three years after its enactment. The paper adopted
the doctrinal research methodology and is structured to answer the question whether the
enactment of the standalone antipiracy legislation is an end in the search to suppress piracy and
other maritime offences in Nigeria. The paper is divided seven parts covering introductory issues,
advocacy, overview and assessment of the Suppression of the Piracy and other Maritime Offences
Act 2019 three years after and concluding remarks. The paper recommended the establishment of
National Coast Guard to combat the menace of piracy and other maritime offences in Nigeria.