The increasing presence of foreign interests in Nigeria's coastal waters is raising serious concerns about the nation's internal security, according to Mr. Boniface Igwe, a former Director of Shipping Development and Cabotage. In his upcoming book, Cabotage Law and Practice, Igwe argues that this foreign dominance could undermine both national security and the country's maritime sovereignty.

Igwe emphasizes that allowing foreign operators to control significant portions of Nigeria's coastal shipping trade not only threatens economic opportunities for local businesses but also poses a grave risk to national security. He stated, "Apart from the economic opportunities inherent in the practice of reserving coastal shipping trade for indigenous operators, the uncontrolled foreign domination of trade in a country’s coastal waters portends grave national security implications for that country."

The forthcoming book discusses the importance of creating captive markets for indigenous stakeholders, which is a common practice in many countries aimed at developing local capacities in critical sectors of their economies. Igwe notes that such policies are often driven by economic, political, and security considerations.

The maritime industry plays a crucial role in Nigeria's economic growth, serving as a vital link to the oil and gas sector, which is essential for the nation's economy. Statistics reveal that Nigeria generates an average cargo traffic of 152 million metric tonnes annually, translating to approximately $5 billion in freight earnings. However, nearly 90 percent of this revenue is currently earned by foreign-controlled businesses, highlighting the extent of foreign influence in the sector.

Igwe's warnings come at a time when the need for a robust maritime policy that prioritizes local operators is more critical than ever. The implications of foreign dominance extend beyond economic concerns, as they can affect national security and the ability of the country to control its own maritime affairs. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its maritime landscape, the call for a reevaluation of policies governing coastal shipping is increasingly urgent.