On July 22, 2026, the senate on Wednesday stepped down the consideration of a report on a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Coast Guard, citing potential duplication of functions and operational conflicts with the Nigerian Navy and other existing security agencies.
The directive was issued by Senate President Godswill Akpabio following the presentation of the report on the Nigeria Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 575) by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sanni Wasiu Eshilokun (APC, Lagos Central).
The proposed legislation aims to create a specialized security body tasked with protecting Nigeria’s 853-kilometer coastline and over 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways. Designed to enforce maritime laws, support anti-smuggling operations, conduct environmental surveillance, and coordinate marine search and rescue efforts, the agency was framed as a key driver for unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy.
Presenting the findings, Senator Eshilokun noted that stakeholders at the public hearing broadly endorsed the initiative to boost shipping, fishing, and offshore exploration, while clarifying that the committee had introduced amendments to prevent jurisdictional overlaps.
The Coast Guard will be established as a specialized and dedicated security component to tackle maritime security within its jurisdiction, without necessarily interfering with the constitutional tripartite role of the Nigerian Navy and other related security agencies. Senator Eshilokun.
Despite assurances that the agency would complement existing security structures and strengthen the enforcement of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, Senate leadership directed that consideration of the report be suspended immediately.
The Senate did not specify a timeline for when the bill might return to the floor for further legislative consideration.
