A Comparative Analysis of State of Security in Eastern Ports of Nigeria Before and After Concession

Abstract

The extent of the realisation of the objectives of Port Concession in Nigeria is yet to be determined fifteen years after its inception. This study therefore examined the state of security (attack on ships) of Eastern ports of Nigeria before and after Port Concession. This study considered a twelve-year period each of Pre (1994-2005) and Post (2007-2018) Concession era. The study used secondary data sourced from International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Annual Piracy Reports. The data were presented using tables and charts and analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Results of the analysis showed negative significant differences between the level of attacks on ships before and after Port Concession. It was concluded that Port Concession have not improve the level of ships' attack in Eastern ports of Nigeria. The study recommended that the Lessees (Terminal Operators) should partner with the Lessor (Nigeria Port Authority) in the provision of security in the maritime domains of their respective areas of coverage to reduce the rate of incidences of attacks on vessels especially in the Gulf of Guinee.