By Ikechukwu Samuel
The Senate has suspended consideration of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill over concerns that the proposed agency could duplicate the responsibilities of existing maritime security organisations.
The decision followed concerns raised by lawmakers that the functions of the proposed Coast Guard might overlap with those of the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police.
The bill was stepped down during Wednesday’s plenary after senators supported its withdrawal through a voice vote.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after lawmakers expressed reservations about establishing another maritime security agency.
The proposed legislation is sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, representing Lagos East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The bill seeks to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard as a specialised maritime security agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Its objectives include strengthening maritime security, combating illegal fishing and tackling unauthorised activities along Nigeria’s coastline.
Before its suspension, the bill had completed a public hearing and was listed for third reading.
It had earlier passed second reading on October 15, 2024, before being referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for legislative review.
Shortly after Senator Eshinlokun moved the bill for third reading, Senate President Akpabio informed lawmakers that several senators had raised concerns privately about the proposal.
According to him, the proposed Coast Guard could duplicate the responsibilities already assigned to existing maritime security agencies.
Akpabio argued that both the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police require improved funding rather than the creation of another agency with similar responsibilities.
He noted that the Marine Police currently lack adequate funding and equipment needed to effectively patrol beyond shallow waters.
The Senate President said greater financial support would enable the Marine Police to perform their statutory responsibilities more efficiently.
He also warned that creating another maritime security institution without clearly defined responsibilities could create operational confusion.
According to Akpabio, overlapping mandates may weaken coordination among security agencies operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He maintained that clearer institutional boundaries are necessary before establishing any new maritime security organisation.
For that reason, he urged senators to suspend further consideration of the bill pending wider consultations.
Akpabio stressed that the decision was not intended to terminate the proposed legislation permanently.
Instead, he explained that additional consultations would allow lawmakers to resolve concerns surrounding the proposed agency.
Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Eshinlokun said stakeholders who participated in the public hearing overwhelmingly supported the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard.
He said supporters of the bill argued that stronger maritime security would unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to the committee chairman, improved maritime security could boost job creation, strengthen food security, increase foreign exchange earnings and support international trade.
Eshinlokun also said the proposed Coast Guard would complement existing maritime security agencies by promoting investor confidence and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
Responding to concerns raised by senators, he explained that the committee amended the bill to redefine the proposed Coast Guard as a specialised maritime security institution rather than a military service.
He added that the revised bill clearly limits the agency’s responsibilities to maritime safety, commercial shipping, cargo operations, maritime transportation and other activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The senator urged the Senate to pass the bill, saying the amendments had adequately addressed concerns over overlapping responsibilities with existing maritime security agencies.
