ABUJA (ChatnewsTV) — A coalition of security advocates has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard Bill currently under review by the National Assembly. The Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) warned that the legislation poses risks to national security, economic stability, and the constitution.
The bill seeks to create a specialized maritime security agency, a move the CSNSA argues would duplicate existing duties of the Nigerian Navy and could potentially undermine administrative efficiency.
At a press conference, CSNSA representatives Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi outlined their concerns, emphasizing the economic strain of funding a new Coast Guard. They noted that the resources required for establishing such an agency could be more effectively allocated to strengthening the Nigerian Navy.
“Creating a Coast Guard will demand significant financial investment, which could take away critical funding from our Navy,” said Dan. “This duplication of duties would not only burden the economy but also risk the coherence of our maritime security framework.”
In addition to the financial implications, the coalition highlighted potential constitutional conflicts. According to the CSNSA, the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 217, recognizes only the Army, Navy, and Air Force as the official branches of the Armed Forces.
“The proposed Coast Guard contradicts the Constitution’s definition of Nigeria’s defense structure,” said Abdulahi. “Adding a new military branch without a constitutional amendment could lead to serious legal problems and threaten the rule of law.”
The coalition argued that establishing a new, militarized Coast Guard as part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy could create legal uncertainties, especially during national emergencies. Concerns were raised over the Coast Guard’s legal authority and how it would fit into the existing chain of command without clear constitutional guidance.
“An unamended Constitution would not legally support the addition of a Coast Guard,” the CSNSA warned in a statement. “This lack of clarity could result in a disjointed command structure and inefficiencies within the armed forces.”
The CSNSA’s stance underscores the need for constitutional adherence and a careful allocation of resources. The group recommended enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s capabilities instead of creating a new branch, proposing that a civilian-led maritime agency handle non-military duties for greater efficiency.
The coalition has called on President Bola Tinubu and lawmakers to reconsider the bill, advocating for a more integrated and constitutionally sound approach to maritime security. Their proposal emphasizes reinforcement of the Navy and the establishment of non-military, civilian-led maritime functions to ensure effective resource management and long-term stability.
“Improving marine safety through Nigeria’s existing security frameworks is a more sustainable solution,” the CSNSA said. “Establishing a distinct Coast Guard may seem appealing, but a resource-efficient and constitutionally aligned approach would better serve Nigeria’s security and economic interests.”
