In Abuja on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate postponed reviewing a report concerning the proposed Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the delay, highlighting fears that the new agency might duplicate duties already performed by the Nigerian Navy and other security groups.
Senator Sanni Wasiu Eshilokun, who chairs the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, introduced the bill. He argued that a dedicated Coast Guard would improve maritime safety, enforce coastal laws, and protect the nation’s 853-kilometer coastline. Supporters at public hearings suggested the agency would help grow industries like shipping and tourism by securing the country’s vast inland waterways.
Eshilokun noted that the committee modified the draft to prevent overlap with the Navy’s constitutional mandates. Despite these assurances that the new body would supplement existing security instead of replacing it, the Senate leadership decided to shelve the report. There is currently no timeline for when the legislation will be revisited.
