Coastal Resources Management in Nigeria: Examination of the Policies and Practices

Nigeria’s coastal region is endowed with significant resources, including fisheries, mangroves, wetlands, and hydrocarbons, which contribute to the economic growth and livelihood. However, these resources face increasing pressure from population growth, urbanization, oil exploration, and climate change. Apparently, in Nigeria, there are existing policies and practices for coastal resources management aimed at addressing these challenges by promoting sustainable resource use, conservation, and stakeholder involvement. Consequently, the issues remain unaddressed, thereby undermining the effectiveness of these policies. The study examined the relevance of existing coastal resources policies and practices in Nigeria to the Sustainable Development Goals and ascertained the challenges surrounding the coastal protection framework in Nigeria. The study used a descriptive research design, which included a systematic review of secondary data from relevant literature, reports, and journal articles on coastal resources management in Nigeria. The data were analyzed and discussed thematically in line with the focus of the study. The study concluded that a cohesive and participatory framework should be considered by the Nigerian government to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s coastal resources in the face of mounting socioeconomic and environmental challenges.