A controversial bill proposing the creation of a Nigerian Coast Guard has drawn widespread opposition from the Nigerian Navy, lawmakers, and civil society organisations (CSOs). Stakeholders raised their objections during a public hearing held on Thursday at the National Assembly Library.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC, Lagos), aims to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard as a military service branch under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Initially scheduled for November 7, the hearing was postponed following the death of General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.

During the rescheduled session, stakeholders urged the Senate to abandon the legislation, arguing that it posed security, economic, and administrative challenges.

Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations, represented the Chief of Naval Staff at the hearing and was among the most vocal critics. He cited global examples to argue against the bill, noting that integrated maritime security frameworks are more effective than standalone Coast Guard entities.

“The United Kingdom does not have a Coast Guard with military powers similar to those being proposed in this bill. Rather, the Royal Navy is responsible for military defence and maritime security operations,” Ferreira stated, referencing a 2020 House of Commons briefing paper.

He warned that creating a separate Coast Guard would lead to redundant operations, strain Nigeria’s limited resources, and jeopardise national security.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, chair of the Senate Committee on Interior, criticised the financial burden of the proposal, especially given Nigeria’s reliance on loans.

“It is imprudent to take loans to establish a new agency when existing structures can be strengthened,” he said. Oshiomhole also questioned the appropriateness of placing a military service branch under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy instead of the Ministry of Defence.

Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, echoed these concerns. He argued for enhancing existing institutions rather than creating overlapping agencies. Agbese also pointed out inconsistencies in the positions of various agencies under the Marine Ministry regarding the need for a new Coast Guard.

Civil society organisations and maritime experts were equally critical. Dr Emeka Akabogu, Secretary of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, and Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe (retd.) joined other speakers in opposing the bill. Igwe Ude Umanta, representing a coalition of 10 CSOs, urged the Senate to drop the proposal, arguing it would fail to address security issues in Nigeria’s waterways effectively.