Senate Steps down Coast Guard Bill Over Possible Clash with Navy, Marine Police
The senate has stepped down further consideration of the Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026, to allow for wider consultations over concerns that it could duplicate the functions of existing security agencies like the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Marine Police.
The decision followed the presentation of the report of the senate committee on marine transport, which recommended that the proposed legislation be passed.
The bill seeks to establish a dedicated coast guard service to strengthen maritime security, protect Nigeria’s waterways and support economic activities in the marine sector.
Presenting the report during Wednesday’s plenary, Wasiu Eshilokun, chairman of the committee, said the committee held a public hearing and consulted relevant stakeholders, the majority of whom, he noted, supported the bill because of the need to improve security across Nigeria’s maritime domain
He said the proposed coast guard would complement existing security agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle piracy, maritime crimes, accidents and other security threats.
Citing findings of the report, the lawmaker said Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways require a specialised maritime security outfit.
To address concerns about possible conflicts with existing agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy, he said the committee proposed amendments clarifying that the coast guard would be a specialised security component responsible for maritime safety and security within its jurisdiction, rather than a separate armed force.
The committee chairman also said the agency would oversee the protection of maritime zones, commercial shipping activities, loading and offloading operations, maritime transportation and related activities while improving Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime standards.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, cautioned against creating another security agency without first addressing the challenges facing existing institutions.
He said the Nigerian Marine Police, which already performs some maritime security functions, requires better funding and equipment to operate effectively.
“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 added that establishing another security outfit without clearly defining its responsibilities could create unnecessary overlap.
“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 bill should be withdrawn temporarily to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
Following his intervention, Eshilokun sought leave of the senate to step down further consideration of the bill, and lawmakers approved the request.
