ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA (UNCLOS) IN NIGERIA’S MARITIME RESOURCE GOVERNANCE

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the primary international legal framework for maritime resource governance. This paper examined the effectiveness of UNCLOS in Nigeria’s maritime domain, analyzing its implementation across Nigeria’s maritime zones and resource sectors. Through doctrinal legal analysis, the study evaluated Nigeria's compliance with UNCLOS obligations in fisheries management, environmental protection, and maritime security. It revealed that while Nigeria has ratified UNCLOS and enacted implementing legislations, significant gaps exist between normative commitments and practical implementation. The paper argued that UNCLOS effectiveness in Nigeria is undermined by inadequate domestic legislation, institutional fragmentation, enforcement deficits, and limited technical capacity. It concluded that enhancing UNCLOS effectiveness requires comprehensive legislative reform, institutional strengthening, improved enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced regional cooperation.