Private maritime security companies in Nigeria : a tale of public-private relationships in the fight against piracy

Abstract

This thesis examines the regulations governing Private Maritime Security Companies in Nigeria. The piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has become a larger focus in the recent years. Countermeasures to piracy have to be taken from various actors to suppress piracy in the region. Private Military Security Companies have been one way to deter piracy in Somalia, the same model can however not be used in Nigeria as the Nigerian state prohibits the use of Private Maritime Security Companies. This thesis made use of participant interviews for this qualitative study to gain insights into the regulation process and gain insight to whether they are part of a future solution to piracy in Nigeria. This thesis has made use of local Nigerian voices and other international stakeholders to voice their opinion. This thesis will primarily highlight the regulation process that these private companies have to go through operate as a legal company. With that its challenges will be explored.