TIDES OF CHANGE: UNDERSTANDING MARITIME CONFLICTS AND TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATION IN NIGERIA THROUGH HISTORY

Abstract

The Management of Transboundary water resources, including maritime domains, has been a longstanding challenge for nations worldwide. From precolonial times to the present, conflicts over shared water bodies have arisen due to competing interests, resource scarcity, and geopolitical tensions. However, cooperation has also emerged as a crucial approach to address these challenges and promote sustainable resource management. This study, therefore, explores the historical perspectives and the dynamics of Maritime conflicts and transboundary water cooperation, tracing their evolution from precolonial times to modern-day international agreements and frameworks. It delves into the evolution of Maritime conflicts driven by territorial, economic, and political interests, alongside the development of international laws and agreements fostering cooperation over shared water resources. By analysing case studies from different historical periods and regions, the study highlights the interplay between conflict and cooperation in the maritime realm offering insights into the underlying causes of disputes and the mechanisms that have successfully mitigated them. The findings underscore the importance of historical context in understanding current maritime tensions and the potential pathways to a peaceful resolution and sustainable management of Transboundary water resources.