…Says Proliferation of Armed Forces Will Escalate Security Issue
In Abuja, five civil society organizations have condemned the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, calling it “anti-Nigerian” and an attempt to amend the constitution “through the backdoor.” The coalition, led by the Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA), voiced concerns over potential impacts on national security, economic burdens, and possible constitutional conflicts.
At a press conference, coalition representatives Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi argued that the creation of a separate Coast Guard would not only duplicate the responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy but also pose a significant financial burden. Establishing and maintaining a Coast Guard agency, they noted, would require considerable funding and potentially divert resources from the Navy, which already oversees maritime security.
The coalition highlighted the constitutional implications of the bill, pointing to Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, which recognizes only three branches of the Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to the CSNSA, adding a militarized Coast Guard under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would create a “complex administrative structure” that could lead to inefficiencies, operational conflicts, and legal ambiguities.
“It is crucial to adhere to constitutional limits,” the CSNSA stated. “Creating a new armed service without amending the constitution could create legal issues and undermine the established structure of command. During emergencies, unity of command is essential, and adding a fourth branch may further complicate chain-of-command issues.”
Instead of a new military branch, the CSNSA proposed strengthening the Navy and creating a civilian-controlled maritime agency to manage non-military duties such as environmental protection, customs enforcement, and search and rescue operations. This approach, they argued, would align with global best practices and prevent duplication of responsibilities.
The CSNSA also expressed economic concerns, citing the high cost of maintaining a Coast Guard. “The U.S. Coast Guard’s annual budget exceeds $13 billion,” the coalition noted, adding that Nigeria’s financial constraints make such an expenditure unrealistic. They suggested that funding should instead go toward reinforcing the Navy, a more cost-effective solution for bolstering maritime security.
