A bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard has passed its second reading in the Senate, marking significant progress towards bolstering maritime security in the country.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), was presented during a plenary session on Tuesday.
In his lead debate, Sen. Eshilokun outlined the core objectives of the bill, emphasising the need to create a dedicated Nigerian Coast Guard responsible for securing Nigeria’s maritime zones. He explained that the Coast Guard would act as a specialised support service to the Nigerian Navy, particularly during wartime, enhancing the country’s overall defence capabilities.
The proposed legislation aims to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests and uphold regional coastal security by aligning with international standards and norms for maritime security.
The Coast Guard would enforce relevant laws within Nigeria’s maritime zones, helping to preserve lives and property and ensuring regulatory compliance within the sector.
“This initiative supports the federal government’s broader economic development agenda, as securing the maritime environment can unlock numerous opportunities essential to our national diversification efforts,” Eshilokun noted. He added that securing this sector is vital for maximising the country’s economic potential.
During the session, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) voiced his support for the bill, underscoring the importance of defining the Coast Guard’s duties to avoid overlapping responsibilities with other agencies such as customs and the navy. Similarly, Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) advocated for the bill, highlighting the Coast Guard’s role in preventing illegal fishing, which costs Nigeria approximately N35 billion annually.
Sen. Sunday Karimi (APC-Kogi) also supported the bill, stressing the urgency of establishing a Coast Guard given the rising global threats of terrorism and the inherent risks within Nigeria’s waterways.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, endorsed the bill’s intent to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and ensure national defence remains robust. He referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for further review, requesting a report within four weeks.
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