COASTAL NAVIGATION IN INDIA AND INDONESIA: DERIVABLE BENEFITS FOR NIGERIA

Abstract

Coastal navigation is a very important aspect of a country’s economy. This is particularly so for a country like
Nigeria, which has vast coastline and navigable waters that connect to the outside world. These make a country
to better participate in international trade and open its internal market to the international community. Thus,
maritime transport promotes maritime trade which involves the use of ships to transport mainlyheavy and bulky
goods or merchandise over long distances by sea. Consequently, shipping plays an important role in the
development of a country's international trade and thus drives the overall global economy. Coastal navigation
is the principle that regulates maritime activities that take place within the waters of a country. It recognizes
that a country has the right to restrict the activities of foreign vessels that operate in its waters. Restrictions
may be strict in some countries, but may be waived or relaxed in others. Therefore, every country desires to be
in control of its coastal shipping transportation through various interventions. For Nigeria, the issue is whether
such interventions are enough or are complied with to improve this means of transportation and its economy.
From available literature, it appears that the country is lagging behind in this area of the economy in
comparison with some other jurisdictions. Consequently, it is recommended that Nigeria should review its
extant laws and ensure effective enforcement of the same to achieve the much needed benefits in this area of
the economy of the country.