MARITIME SECURITY RESEARCH SEMINAR

27-28 June 2023

As part of efforts towards enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the KAIPTC with support from the Danish Embassy organised a two-day research seminar to present, discuss and validate the findings from a maritime research conducted in 2020 in Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Sao Tome. This falls under the larger project on Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain in West and Central Africa. Leveraging on the previous 3 year project on Enhancing regional research, capacity building and convening of stakeholders towards a safer maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea, the current project seeks to provide a platform for maritime stakeholders in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) to better understand the maritime security landscape, deepen their collaboration and coordination and pool individual and collective resources in efforts at strengthening maritime security in the GoG. It continues along the lines of enhanced research, dialogue and capacity building from the previous project. The 5-year project, will broadly focus on women and vulnerable groups in maritime security, examine connections between land and sea-based crimes as well as the areas of maritime norms, frameworks and mechanisms which shapes how maritime actors coordinate responses on maritime security in the GoG. A maritime code for women is also envisaged to be established and eventually taught as a module on the capacity building courses as well as in the long term domesticated in the legal texts of GoG member states. Additionally, the project seeks to organize regular research seminars as the first line of disseminating project research findings and also, seek expert input to strengthening the initial research findings

This year’s research seminar is based on the following themes:

1. Seeing Beyond Borders: Understanding the Domestic and External Sources of Maritime Insecurity in the GoG

2. Impact of Maritime crimes on Women’s livelihoods

3. Enhancing Maritime Governance in the GoG: Assessing Nigeria’s Counter Measures against Maritime Piracy

4. The Media As A Vehicle For Effective Maritime Security Information Dissemination In The Gulf Of Guinea.

5. Guarding the Sea, Pulling the Net, Salting the Fish: The Multiple Roles of Women in the Blue Economy

The seminar convened approximately 30 maritime stakeholders including women’s group, academia and media personnel from across the West African region.The research seminar provided a valuable platform for validating the research findings and seeking expert input to strengthening the initial results. The interactive and participatory nature of the workshop fostered collaboration and coordination among all actors present, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the initial findings.

Moving forward, the research papers presented during the seminar will undergo a thorough review process and be processed for publication. This will ensure that the valuable insights and recommendations generated from the research are disseminated widely, guiding future policy and operational action in the Gulf of Guinea.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the participants, moderators, discussants, and presenters who made this seminar a resounding success. The KAIPTC would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Danish Government for their financial support, which made this research seminar and the broader project on Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain possible.

For further updates and information on the publications as well as future events and initiatives, please continue to visit our website and stay connected with us.