The Senate has suspended consideration of a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Coast Guard, citing concerns that the proposed agency could duplicate the responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy and other existing security organisations.
The decision was taken on Wednesday after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sanni Wasiu Eshilokun, presented the committee’s report on the Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed that the report should not be considered, effectively stepping it down for further review.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a specialised maritime security agency responsible for protecting Nigeria’s coastal waters, enforcing maritime laws, safeguarding lives and property, coordinating rescue operations and tackling smuggling and other maritime crimes.
Presenting the report, Senator Eshilokun said stakeholders who participated in the public hearing largely supported the bill, arguing that stronger maritime security is essential for unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He explained that improved security would encourage growth in shipping, fishing, offshore oil exploration, tourism and international trade, while also boosting employment and foreign exchange earnings.
The committee noted that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and more than 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways require a dedicated security agency focused on maritime safety and law enforcement.
Addressing concerns about possible overlap with the Nigerian Navy, Eshilokun said the committee amended the bill to ensure that the proposed Coast Guard would complement—not replace or interfere with—the constitutional responsibilities of existing security agencies.
The committee also stated that the Coast Guard would strengthen enforcement of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, improve safety on Nigeria’s waterways and help the country meet its international maritime obligations.
It further noted that the proposed agency would create opportunities for professional training and skills development through institutions such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and the Maritime University of Nigeria.
Despite the committee’s recommendations, the Senate suspended further consideration of the report.
No date was announced for when the bill will return to the Senate for debate.
