By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate on Wednesday stepped down further consideration of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, 2026 (SB. 575) to allow for wider consultations with key stakeholders in the maritime sector before proceeding with its passage.
The decision followed a motion by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele seeking the temporary withdrawal of the bill to facilitate additional engagement with relevant agencies and address outstanding concerns.
Presenting the report during plenary, the Committee Chairman, Senator Eshilokun Sanni said the bill seeks to create “a specialized and dedicated security component” for the maritime sector without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.
“To address this issue the committee has amended the way that the coast guard will be established as a specialized and dedicated security component to tackle maritime security within his jurisdiction as stipulated in this proposed way without necessarily interfering with the constitutional treasure charge role of the navy and other related security agencies,” the chairman stated.
Putting the motion to a voice vote during plenary, the Senate President sought the approval of lawmakers for the bill to be stepped down.
The bill, which seeks to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard as a specialised maritime security agency, had earlier scaled second reading on October 15, 2024 before being referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
The committee subsequently conducted a public hearing on December 5, 2024, after which it submitted its report recommending the passage of the proposed legislation.
However, the Senate resolved that further consultations were necessary to build consensus among critical stakeholders before the bill proceeds to the next legislative stage.
The proposed consultations will involve the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio also directed the Senate Leader to coordinate the consultation process and return the bill to the chamber after the necessary engagements have been concluded.
The proposed legislation is intended to establish a dedicated Nigerian Coast Guard responsible for safeguarding the country’s 853-kilometre coastline and inland waterways, combating piracy and other maritime crimes, enhancing search-and-rescue operations, and improving the safety and security of maritime activities.
Further legislative action on the bill was deferred pending the outcome of the consultations.
The Senate on Wednesday stepped down further consideration of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, 2026 (SB. 575) to allow for wider consultations with key stakeholders in the maritime sector before proceeding with its passage.
The decision followed a motion by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele seeking the temporary withdrawal of the bill to facilitate additional engagement with relevant agencies and address outstanding concerns.
Presenting the report during plenary, the Committee Chairman, Senator Eshilokun Sanni said the bill seeks to create “a specialized and dedicated security component” for the maritime sector without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.
“To address this issue the committee has amended the way that the coast guard will be established as a specialized and dedicated security component to tackle maritime security within his jurisdiction as stipulated in this proposed way without necessarily interfering with the constitutional treasure charge role of the navy and other related security agencies,” the chairman stated.
Putting the motion to a voice vote during plenary, the Senate President sought the approval of lawmakers for the bill to be stepped down.
The bill, which seeks to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard as a specialised maritime security agency, had earlier scaled second reading on October 15, 2024 before being referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
The committee subsequently conducted a public hearing on December 5, 2024, after which it submitted its report recommending the passage of the proposed legislation.
However, the Senate resolved that further consultations were necessary to build consensus among critical stakeholders before the bill proceeds to the next legislative stage.
The proposed consultations will involve the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio also directed the Senate Leader to coordinate the consultation process and return the bill to the chamber after the necessary engagements have been concluded.
The proposed legislation is intended to establish a dedicated Nigerian Coast Guard responsible for safeguarding the country’s 853-kilometre coastline and inland waterways, combating piracy and other maritime crimes, enhancing search-and-rescue operations, and improving the safety and security of maritime activities.
Further legislative action on the bill was deferred pending the outcome of the consultations.
