Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the establishment of a security force dedicated to safeguarding West Africa’s coastal waters, with Lagos as its headquarters.
The initiative was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar during the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia.
The proposal aligns with the AU’s broader efforts to strengthen regional security, as leaders reviewed the Peace and Security Council report and the roadmap for silencing guns in Africa.
If implemented, the force could play a crucial role in tackling maritime threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling along the region’s coastline.
However, the proposal has sparked debate within Nigeria. Several civil society organizations (CSOs) have expressed concerns, advising President Tinubu and the National Assembly to reconsider the creation of a new, independent Coast Guard. They argue that such a move could duplicate existing responsibilities, create legal ambiguities, and strain the country’s limited financial resources. The CSOs emphasize the need to carefully assess Nigeria’s current security needs, economic realities, and constitutional obligations before proceeding with the establishment of a new military service.
