For a nation endowed with over 850 kilometres of coastline, maritime security has become a non-negotiable national priority. Renewed calls for the revival and empowerment of a dedicated Nigeria Coast Guard (NCG) are gaining momentum amid growing concerns over preventable maritime disasters, illegal activities in territorial waters, and the urgent need to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy potential.
The push aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.
A Historical Gap in Maritime Security
The concept of a coast guard in Nigeria is not new. Its origins date back to February 16, 1914, with the establishment of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Seafarers. However, the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970 significantly altered the nation’s maritime security architecture, as naval strategy shifted towards military operations, including the blockade of the defunct Republic of Biafra.
Following the war, Nigeria failed to re-establish a robust civil maritime security institution, creating a long-standing gap that persists today. This vacuum has contributed to recurring tragedies, including the recent canoe capsizing incident in Yobe State, where over 20 lives were lost. Analysts argue that a properly mandated coast guard with search-and-rescue responsibilities could significantly reduce such incidents.
Blue Economy at the Centre of National Strategy
President Tinubu has placed the blue economy at the heart of Nigeria’s development agenda, establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and unveiling a comprehensive security and economic framework for the sector. He has also directed all relevant agencies to implement recommendations from a landmark study conducted by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on blue economy development.
Despite Nigeria’s vast maritime assets, the sector currently contributes less than three per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below its true potential. Experts note that growth in fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism, offshore energy, and coastal trade depends largely on a safe and secure maritime environment.
Persistent challenges such as piracy, oil theft, smuggling, and illegal fishing continue to undermine investor confidence, weaken national revenue, and threaten coastal livelihoods.
Nigeria’s Rising Profile on the Global Maritime Stage
Nigeria’s maritime reform efforts are gaining international recognition. The country was recently re-elected into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 term, a category reserved for states with special interests in maritime transport and navigation.
Maritime stakeholders have credited this achievement to the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose diplomatic engagements and reform initiatives strengthened Nigeria’s global standing. Observers say Nigeria’s position on the IMO Council further underscores the need for a professional and dedicated coast guard to meet international obligations and collaborate effectively with global maritime partners.
How Nigeria Compares with Its Peers
A review of other IMO Category C member states reveals that the existence of a dedicated coast guard or equivalent civil maritime enforcement agency is the global norm. Examples include:
• Philippines – Philippine Coast Guard
• Egypt – Egyptian Coast Guard
• Indonesia – Indonesian Coast Guard
• Malaysia – Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
• South Africa – Civil maritime functions performed by the South African Navy
These agencies are responsible for maritime law enforcement, safety, search and rescue, and environmental protection, allowing their navies to focus on core military duties. Nigeria’s continued reliance on the navy to perform many civil maritime functions places it at odds with international best practices.
Commendation for Strategic Leadership
Stakeholders have continued to commend President Tinubu for his foresight in placing maritime resources at the centre of Nigeria’s diversification strategy. The creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the commissioning of NIPSS to conduct a nationwide security and policy review are widely regarded as decisive steps linking maritime security to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Similarly, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola has been praised for his role in inaugurating a high-level Inter-Ministerial Committee to drive a coordinated maritime strategy. His leadership has also attracted commendation from the IMO Secretary-General, particularly for Nigeria’s maritime reforms and the impact of the Deep Blue Project in improving security in the Gulf of Guinea.
NIPSS and the Path to Evidence-Based Reform
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies has been described as the intellectual engine behind Nigeria’s blue economy reforms. Its comprehensive report, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” provides a detailed roadmap for policy implementation. The President’s directive for all agencies to adopt the report’s recommendations further affirms its credibility and relevance.
A Defining Moment for Maritime-Led Growth
Analysts believe the convergence of presidential vision, ministerial advocacy, and evidence-based research has created a rare opportunity to finally establish a functional Nigeria Coast Guard. Beyond security, such an institution is seen as a catalyst for protecting lives, safeguarding national resources, and unlocking billions of naira in maritime-driven economic opportunities.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by committing political will, allocating adequate resources, and passing enabling legislation. They argue that the successful revival of the Nigeria Coast Guard would mark a historic turning point one that secures the nation’s waters and ushers in a new era of maritime-led prosperity for generations to come.
“Economy and Security: Our Watchword,” proponents insist, as calls grow louder for decisive government action.
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