Beyond African Pride: Corruption mechanisms in the Nigerian Navy and maritime sector

Abstract

This article reports on corruption mechanisms within the Nigerian Navy and the maritime sector in Nigeria. Beginning with an examination of the disappearance of the vessel MT African Pride in October 2003, the article shows that, far from being a one-off incident, the disappearance was indicative of the opportunism and criminality that naval operations within the oil-rich Niger Delta attracted. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) constitute other case studies of maritime industry corruption examined here. Such cases highlight the exploitation of relations between the Navy and the civil maritime sector. Overall, the article identifies patterns of corruption mechanisms employed. These include the support of illegal oil bunkering, illicit agreements and contracts, unsanctioned oil tanker relocations, malfeasance in arms deals and other areas, and multiple instances of public office abuse.