Senate Suspends Consideration Of Coast Guard Bill, Seeks More Consultations

The Senate has stepped down further consideration of the Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 575), to allow for additional consultations among stakeholders.

The decision followed the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport on the bill during Wednesday’s plenary.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Sanni Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos Central), presented the report and moved that the Senate receive and consider the recommendations of the committee.

The bill, which was initially referred to the committee on October 15, 2024, seeks to establish a dedicated Coast Guard service to strengthen maritime security, protect Nigeria’s waterways and support economic activities within the marine sector.

Presenting the committee’s findings, Eshilokun said extensive consultations, a public hearing and technical sessions were conducted with relevant stakeholders to assess the merits and implications of establishing a Coast Guard.

He said majority of stakeholders supported the bill, arguing that improved maritime security was critical to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry, including shipping, fishing, offshore exploration, tourism, trade and food security.

According to the report, the proposed Coast Guard would complement existing security agencies and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address maritime crimes, piracy, accidents and security threats along its waterways.

The committee noted that Nigeria’s coastline of about 853 kilometres and extensive inland waterways required a specialised security outfit dedicated to maritime operations.

However, to address concerns over possible conflicts with existing security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy, the committee recommended amendments to define the Coast Guard as a specialised security component responsible for maritime security within its jurisdiction rather than a separate armed force.

The committee said the Coast Guard would focus on protecting maritime zones, commercial shipping activities, loading and offloading operations, maritime transportation and related activities.

It also stated that the establishment of the Coast Guard would strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime standards, improve enforcement against piracy and maritime offences, enhance safety on waterways and provide timely assistance to vessels and persons in distress.

The committee recommended that the Senate pass the bill as amended.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns over the proposal, citing the need to avoid duplication of responsibilities among existing security agencies.

Akpabio said the Nigerian Marine Police, which currently performs some maritime security functions, requires better funding and equipment to effectively discharge its duties.

“The Marine Police is yet to be well funded. They need submarines. They need to be well armed. They need to approach the international waters. Right now, they are only running around shallow waters,” Akpabio said.

He argued that creating additional security structures without adequately funding existing ones could lead to overlapping responsibilities and confusion.

“The fact that the naval police are also available, and whatever this creation of other militia within the ports will cause confusion, and their functions will not be well delineated,” he said.

The Senate President said the issue required broader consultations before the bill could proceed.

“I think we should withdraw this for further consultations before we bring it to the Senate. Not that we are killing the bill; we are only withdrawing it for further consultations,” Akpabio said.

Following the intervention, Senator Eshilokun agreed to step down further consideration of the bill.

The Senate subsequently approved the withdrawal of the bill for further consultations.