Five civil society groups in Nigeria have strongly opposed the proposed Coastal Guard Bill, labelling it a “backdoor” attempt to amend Nigeria’s Constitution by creating a separate armed force.
The bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, aims to establish a Coast Guard to oversee coastal security, but critics warn it could undermine the Navy’s role and place unnecessary strain on the nation’s finances.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) argued that the bill contradicts Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, which only recognises the Army, Navy, and Air Force as branches of the Armed Forces.
“The proposed Coast Guard contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional framework, recognising only three branches of the Armed Forces,” said CSNSA spokesperson Okwa Dan. “Adding a separate Coast Guard would create redundancy and potentially weaken the Navy.”
The CSNSA further highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s success in managing maritime security, including counter-piracy and hydrography efforts, which have earned international recognition.
“Rather than establishing a new military entity, it would be more effective to strengthen the Navy,” noted CSNSA’s Bilal Abdulahi, expressing concern over possible role overlaps and jurisdictional conflicts if the Coast Guard is formed.
From a financial perspective, the coalition stressed that maintaining a Coast Guard would add a significant fiscal burden. Citing the U.S. Coast Guard’s $13 billion annual cost, CSNSA suggested that Nigeria, facing economic constraints, could better utilise such funds to enhance the Navy’s capabilities.
Instead of a military-run Coast Guard, the coalition proposed a civilian-controlled agency to handle non-military maritime duties, including environmental protection, customs, and search and rescue.
Such an agency, they argue, would maintain Nigeria’s coastal security while avoiding constitutional conflicts and preserving the Navy’s central role.
Calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject the bill, CSNSA concluded, “Strengthening the Nigerian Navy is the practical path forward for enhancing maritime security without added bureaucracy or constitutional issues.”