By Mercy Aikoye
The proposal for a coastal guard in Nigeria has hit a roadblock once again, this time at the House of Representatives. Dr. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, firmly believes that establishing a coastal guard is counterproductive, given the existing Nigeria Navy (NN), which is well-established in maritime security.
Gagdi’s stance comes after his committee met with key stakeholders, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Vice Chancellor of the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Prof. Dili Ofuokwu. He questioned why proponents of the coastal guard took their case to the Senate after his committee rejected the bill last year, following consultations with the National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).
Gagdi emphasized that his committee cannot approve the establishment of a coastal guard while the Nigeria Navy is underfunded. “We have a Navy that is working hard but suffocated,” he said. “It would be irrational to consider another agency when the Navy is not adequately funded.” Instead, he pledged to support additional funding for the NN, acknowledging the high cost of maintaining its platforms and jetties.
The push for a Nigerian Coast Guard gained momentum in December 2024, with a public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2024. Sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC-Lagos), the bill aims to establish a dedicated agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, responsible for maritime safety, environmental protection, and enforcing civil maritime laws.
However, critics argue that establishing a coastal guard would duplicate existing functions and create unnecessary competition with the Nigeria Navy. They also point out that the Nigerian Navy is already responsible for maritime security, and that additional funding would be more effective in enhancing its capabilities.
The proposal for a coastal guard has been met with skepticism, with some arguing that it would be a waste of resources. Instead, they advocate for strengthening the existing maritime security framework and providing adequate funding to the Nigeria Navy.
In conclusion, the establishment of a coastal guard in Nigeria remains a contentious issue, with proponents arguing for enhanced maritime security and critics citing duplication of functions and unnecessary competition with the Nigeria Navy.
