We research and disseminate knowledge on matters relating to the law of the sea in general, but our main focus is on how the ECOWAS Community can benefit from the vast ocean resources at its disposal, given the coastal the entitlements of its twelve coastal member States, without neglecting the needs of the three member States that are landlocked. We focus on maritime security as well as on the exploitation and exploration of the natural resources of the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of member States of the Community with a view to encouraging collaboration for effectiveness. We extend our reach to the need for member States of ECOWAS to position themselves to participate in exploration and exploitation activities in the Area.  We premise our work on the desire to achieve a knowledge-based use of the Community ocean space that recognises the overarching need to use the ocean in a sustainable manner that preserves its resources and protect it from pollution.