NIGERIAN COAST GUARD BILL
Bill · Transport
Policy date: 2024-10-01
A Bill establishes the Nigerian Coast Guard to secure maritime zones and enforce laws. It targets coastal communities and the fishing industry. This strengthens maritime security and protects the marine environment.
What Is This Policy?
A Bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard as a specialized maritime security agency to secure Nigeria's coastline, inland waterways, and maritime zones.
Who Does It Target?
Nigeria's maritime sector, coastal communities, fishing industry, oil and gas operators, and the general public benefiting from maritime safety and environmental protection.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Strengthen maritime security, combat illegal fishing, enforce civil maritime laws, conduct search and rescue operations, protect the marine environment, and complement the Nigerian Navy.
Key Features
Maritime Security: Dedicated agency for securing Nigeria's 853km coastline and 10,000km of inland waterways Civil Law Enforcement: Enforces civil maritime laws distinct from Navy's military defense role Environmental Protection: Addresses pollution, overfishing, and unregulated coastal development Search and Rescue: Conducts maritime search and rescue operations
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Passed second reading in Senate October 2024; public hearing held December 2024; under committee review Coverage: All Nigerian maritime zones, coastline, and inland waterways Sponsorship: Sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos) Oversight: Proposed under Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
How to Access
Not yet enacted. Once established, the Coast Guard will operate across all Nigerian maritime zones. Recruitment and operational details will be determined upon enactment. Pending enactment into law
Important Terms
Navy Complement: Designed to complement, not replace, the Nigerian Navy's defense operations Debate: Nigerian Navy and some lawmakers have raised concerns about duplication of roles and resource allocation
Impact & Metrics
Illegal fishing alone costs sub-Saharan Africa between $3 billion and $5 billion annually. Fifteen of 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa already have dedicated coast guards.
Official Resources
Website: nimasa.gov.ng
Legal Framework
The Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, when enacted, would operate under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and the Territorial Waters Act. It would align with the 1999 Constitution (Section 217 on the Armed Forces and maritime security provisions), the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the IMO Maritime Security frameworks, and the ECOWAS Maritime Trade and Security Strategy.