The Senate on Wednesday suspended consideration of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill due to concerns that the proposed agency’s functions could overlap with those of the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the withdrawal after a majority of senators supported the decision through a voice vote during plenary.
The bill, sponsored by Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC, Lagos East), seeks to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security, combat illegal fishing and curb unauthorised activities along Nigeria’s coastline.
It proposes the agency as a specialised maritime security outfit under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The bill had already undergone a public hearing and was scheduled for third reading.
