The House of Representatives Committee on Navy has recommended an increase in funding for the Nigerian Navy to better protect the country’s waterways, rather than establishing a separate Coast Guard.
The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), made this suggestion during the 2025 budget defence session in Abuja on Monday.
Gagdi noted that the Navy was facing financial constraints and would be adversely affected by the creation of another sister agency.
“We have a Navy that is working hard but is being suffocated due to insufficient funding,” he said. “As members of the National Assembly, we believe it would be irrational to establish another agency when the existing one is not adequately funded.”
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, also highlighted the challenges facing the Navy’s budget.
Ogalla disclosed that in 2024, the Navy received a total of N211.2 billion, with N42.9 billion allocated for capital expenditure and N132.26 billion for personnel costs. He called for increased funding, particularly for overhead costs, to maintain the Navy’s equipment and operations.
“The proposed overhead costs are insufficient to fuel the platforms, build accommodations, and maintain equipment,” he said.