Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Nigerian Senate has stepped down consideration of a bill seeking to establish a Nigeria Coast Guard, citing concerns that the proposed agency could duplicate the responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy and other existing maritime security institutions.
The decision was taken during plenary on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at the National Assembly in Abuja, shortly after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sanni Wasiu Eshilokun (APC, Lagos Central), presented the committee's report on the Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 575). However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed that the report should not be considered, effectively suspending further legislative action on the bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish the Nigeria Coast Guard as a specialised maritime security agency responsible for protecting Nigeria's territorial waters, enforcing maritime laws, safeguarding lives and property at sea, conducting search and rescue operations, combating smuggling and piracy, and protecting the marine environment from pollution and other illegal activities.
Presenting the committee's findings, Senator Eshilokun said the bill was designed to strengthen Nigeria's maritime security architecture, enhance regional coastal security and improve compliance with international maritime standards. He noted that stakeholders who participated in the public hearing overwhelmingly supported the establishment of the agency, arguing that improved maritime security would unlock the economic potential of Nigeria's maritime sector.
According to the committee, a more secure maritime environment would promote shipping, fishing, offshore oil and gas operations, tourism, international trade, foreign exchange earnings and job creation. The committee also pointed to Nigeria's 853-kilometre coastline and more than 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, arguing that the country requires a specialised agency dedicated to coastal and inland water security.
The committee acknowledged concerns raised during consultations about the possibility of overlapping responsibilities with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies. Senator Eshilokun said amendments were introduced to the bill to clearly define the proposed Coast Guard's responsibilities, ensuring that it would complement, rather than interfere with, the constitutional duties of the Nigerian Navy.
He explained that the proposed agency would strengthen enforcement of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, improve safety on Nigeria's waterways and enhance the country's compliance with international maritime obligations. The committee also stated that the Coast Guard would create additional opportunities for professional training and capacity development through institutions such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and the Maritime University of Nigeria.
Despite the committee's recommendations, Senate President Akpabio ordered that consideration of the report be stepped down, citing concerns over potential conflicts with existing security structures. The Senate did not announce when the bill would return for further debate or consideration.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the National Assembly to strengthen maritime security, improve the safety of Nigeria's waterways and combat piracy, smuggling and other maritime crimes that continue to threaten economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
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