Application of Geographic Information Systems in Marine Spatial Planning for the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria

Marine spatial planning provides a systematic framework for managing competing uses of ocean space through evidence-based, ecosystem-informed decision-making. This study applied geographic information systems to develop a marine spatial planning framework for Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone. Multi-source spatial datasets including bathymetric data, sea surface temperature, primary productivity, fisheries distribution, oil block allocations, shipping lanes, and marine protected area boundaries were compiled and integrated within a GIS environment. Overlay analysis was used to identify spatial conflicts between industrial, conservation, and artisanal use sectors. Hotspot analysis identified marine areas of high ecological value and high use pressure overlap. Stakeholder mapping confirmed 14 government agencies and private sectors with overlapping ocean space interests. Analysis revealed significant spatial overlap between oil block concession areas and artisanal fishing grounds in the Gulf of Guinea shelf zone. Critical habitat areas identified for sea turtles, dolphin calving grounds, and spawning aggregations were found to lack formal protection. Shipping lane routing presented collision risk with documented whale migration corridors. A tiered ocean use zoning framework was developed with designated commercial, conservation, multi-use, and conflict resolution zones. Institutional analysis identified the absence of a dedicated marine spatial planning law as the primary governance constraint. This study provides a practical GIS-based planning framework and recommends the immediate enactment of a Marine Spatial Planning Act to operationalise ocean governance in Nigeria. Keywords: marine spatial planning, GIS, Exclusive Economic Zone, Nigeria, ocean governance.