Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 35
- Agwe Global
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
The Nigerian Coast Guard Bill has repeatedly sparked intense debate and public opposition, emerging from a backdrop of political manoeuvring and bureaucratic missteps. Proponents tout it as a long-awaited solution to maritime insecurity, but a closer look reveals a bill that has been rejected time and again by lawmakers, security experts, and civil society, and
rightfully so. Rather than resolving Nigeria’s maritime challenges, the proposed bill would merely add another layer of redundancy to an already overburdened and inefficient security architecture. The bill’s origins can be traced to efforts by certain legislators who, over the years, have pushed for a specialised maritime force. They argue that existing institutions that are saddled with responsibilities of policing the nation’s waters are inadequate. However, the history of the bill is littered with failed attempts, public hearings interrupted by tragedy, and passionate protests by stakeholders who view the initiative as both unnecessary and constitutionally-flawed. Activists and concerned citizens have repeatedly stormed legislative chambers to demand the withdrawal of the bill, branding it as wasteful duplication of Nigeria’s
maritime security apparatus.
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The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, has embarked on a laudable and comprehensive mission to end the tragic and preventable loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways. This proactive and multifaceted approach marks a significant departure from past inaction and signals a firm commitment to
maritime safety. The recent acquisition and distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterways users across 28 states is a testament to this new resolve, a concrete action that has already begun to yield tangible results. This initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical and life-saving measure, as evidenced by the recent incident in Niger State where nine
passengers survived a boat mishap precisely because they were wearing the donated life jackets. Niger State’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, aptly praised this initiative, demonstrating the vital collaboration between the federal government and sub-national authorities. The partnership between the Ministry, the National Inland Waterways
Authority (NIWA) under the leadership of Mr Bola Oyebamiji, and state governments is clearly a cornerstone of this success.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for the immediate review and elimination of war risk insurance premiums imposed on vessels heading to Nigeria, describing the charges as outdated and harmful to the country’s economic competitiveness. The Minister made the call during the 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), held at Four Points by
Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos. Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola said Nigeria has earned the right to be removed from global maritime high-risk classifications. He highlighted key achievements of the Ministry since its establishment in 2023, noting that the maritime sector has witnessed major reforms in just two years. Among these milestones are the resolution of the decades-long Apapa gridlock, the launch of Africa’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, and the approval of port modernisation projects for Lagos, Tin Can Island, and the Eastern Ports. According to him, agency-generated revenues more than doubled from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, marking the highest in the nation’s history.
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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Commission will continue to support security agencies to secure the waterways and boost the emerging blue economy in the country. Speaking during the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at Enugu’s International Conference Centre, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that the Blue Economy is the future of the Niger Delta region. According to Ogbuku, “The blue economy is central to the future of the Niger Delta region. It will strengthen our economy, lessen the burden of youth unemployment, improve food security, and support efforts to adapt to
climate change.” The NDDC boss, who led a team from the Commission, including the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, observed that the national policy on marine and blue economy would require the support of the security agencies to succeed. He emphasised the need for collaboration to ensure that the Niger Delta region remained peaceful, noting that development could only take place
in an atmosphere of peace and security.
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The Nigerian Navy said it would cost about N1.2 billion yearly to keep one of its 25 warships on the sea, underscoring the severe funding challenge facing its operations. The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, said the Navy had acquired 21 new vessels in the past 10 years, with an average cost of N25.2 billion per year to put them to sea. This comes as Nigeria pays about $400 million yearly on War Risk premiums to international insurers, with shipowners compelled to pay additional daily charges of between $1,000 and $2,000 once vessels cross five degrees east of Lagos waters. Experts said this underscores the heavy financial burden on shipping and maritime trade in the country. This was stated yesterday at the third yearly maritime lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), themed: ‘Addressing the Burden
of War Risk Insurance Surcharge on Nigerian Maritime Trade – A Case for Review’, held in Lagos. Oamen, who was represented by the Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Thunder, Captain O.O. Oginni, said the Navy currently sustains only one vessel at sea per command, across its Western, Central and Eastern operational commands, a level of coverage he described as inadequate for Nigeria’s expansive maritime domain.
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The Nigerian Navy acquired 21 new vessels within the last 10 years and arrested 333 vessels between 2015 and 2021 for various infractions, including involvement in piracy, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, illegal fishing, and infringement on others. The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, disclosed this in Lagos while speaking at the 3rd MARAN Annual Lecture MAMAL 2025. The event, which was organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, was themed, “Addressing the burden of war risk insurance on Nigeria’s maritime trade”. He added that the arrested vessels were handed over to various government agencies. Oamen, who was represented at the event by the Commanding Officer, NNS Thunder, Capt Olanrewaju Oginni, added that
apart from the 21 new vessels, more are still under construction. “Also, within the last 10 years, the Nigerian Navy has acquired 21 new vessels, with more under construction. And this is just to have more ships. In fact, we have more ships now that we don’t have the logistics to put them to sea,” Oamen said.
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