By; A.A Aloba
Nigeria’s maritime domain is facing mounting security and economic threats as experts, maritime stakeholders, and security analysts intensify calls for the re-establishment of a fully empowered Nigerian Coast Guard to address growing gaps in offshore and inland waterway security.
Recent assessments indicate that the absence of a dedicated civilian maritime law enforcement institution has left Nigeria’s vast coastline and over 6,000 creeks increasingly vulnerable to piracy, terrorism, oil theft, and other transnational crimes.
Rising Maritime Threats
Security reports from April 2025 highlight a resurgence of piracy off Nigeria’s coast near Brass, Bayelsa State, where two separate attacks occurred approximately 100 nautical miles offshore. In both incidents, pirates reportedly maintained control of boarded vessels for up to four hours, despite existing regional security initiatives.
Analysts warn that worsening economic conditions, potential disruption of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and weak offshore policing could further escalate maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition, Nigeria’s intricate network of creeks and backwaters particularly the 120 waterways stretching between Ikorodu and Badagry has been identified as a major security blind spot. These areas reportedly serve as hideouts for smugglers, oil thieves, and terrorist elements who launch attacks at sea before retreating into difficult-to-police inland waterways.
The Merchant Seafarers Association has also linked persistent oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, and unregulated fishing to the absence of a dedicated coast guard, despite years of sustained naval deployments.
Capability Gaps Exposed
Experts note that while agencies such as the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) continue to play vital roles, structural limitations remain. The Coast Guard, by doctrine, is a warfighting institution, while NIMASA lacks sufficient enforcement capacity to police Nigeria’s vast maritime environment effectively.
These gaps have resulted in large portions of Nigeria’s backwaters remaining unpoliced, limited civilian law enforcement authority at sea, and weak enforcement against illegal fishing and smuggling.
Economic Consequences
The economic cost of maritime insecurity has been described as staggering. Billions of dollars are reportedly lost annually to oil theft, illegal fishing, and smuggling, significantly undermining government revenue and economic stability.
Nigeria’s reputation as one of the world’s most insecure maritime environments has also discouraged shipping activities, with some operators diverting business to neighboring countries. This trend has further weakened Nigeria’s position in international maritime affairs, including repeated failures to secure Category C seats at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), partly due to institutional inconsistencies in its maritime governance framework.
Expert Perspectives
Professor Alfred Oniye, President of the Merchant Seafarers Association of USA Inc. and Nigeria, emphasized that the Navy cannot replace a civilian coast guard.
“The Nigerian Coast Guard, by design and doctrine, is a warfighting institution, not a civil maritime law enforcement body. A properly established Coast Guard, with clear civilian authority, would enforce maritime laws, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect Nigeria’s blue economy from non-military threats,” he said.
Similarly, maritime law expert Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, noted that several leading maritime nations maintain independent coast guard services.
“Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have successfully implemented independent coast guard institutions to ensure maritime security and promote economic development,” he stated.
Proposed Role of a Nigerian Coast Guard
Stakeholders propose that a re-established Nigerian Coast Guard would be a multi-mission institution responsible for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and internal security operations.
Its core responsibilities would include policing territorial waters and inland waterways, enforcing maritime laws such as the Cabotage Act and Merchant Shipping Act, protecting oil and gas infrastructure, securing shipping lanes, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
The proposed structure would align with international best practices, operating alongside but distinct from the Coast Guard.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
Beyond security, advocates argue that the Coast Guard could serve as a catalyst for economic growth. Revenue streams could include licensing and registration fees, inspection and certification services, training programs, and penalties for maritime violations.
The institution is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities through regular recruitment, maritime training institutions, public-private partnerships, and apprenticeship programs aimed at closing generational gaps in maritime expertise.
Addressing Maritime Insecurity
Proposed operational strategies include strengthened maritime border surveillance, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, investment in maritime domain awareness technology, community engagement with coastal populations, and increased international collaboration with regional and global maritime security partners.
A Call for Urgent Action
As Nigeria seeks to unlock the full potential of its blue economy, stakeholders insist that the re-establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard is no longer optional but urgent.
They argue that the cost of inaction continued revenue losses, insecurity, and international marginalization far outweighs the investment required to revive the institution once known as the Nigerian Merchant Coast Guard Seafarers.
With over 54 coastal nations worldwide operating dedicated coast guard services, experts maintain that restoring a modern Nigerian Coast Guard would not only strengthen national security but also reposition Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
“Economy and Security: Our Watchword,” proponents insist, as calls grow louder for decisive government action.
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