Protesters, including youths, women, and civil society groups, gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja to express their opposition to the Coastal Guards Establishment Bill. Sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), the bill aims to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard, a new security agency tasked with safeguarding the country’s maritime zones. Opposition to the Coastal Guards Bill Key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Navy and civil society organizations (CSOs), argue that the bill duplicates the responsibilities of existing security agencies, such as: Activists believe that the proposed agency would not only waste resources but also lead to jurisdictional conflicts and inefficiencies. Protest Details Operating under the umbrella of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, protesters displayed placards with messages like “No to Coastal Guards Bill” and “Don’t Waste Our Resources.” They marched, chanted slogans, and sang songs to pressure lawmakers into rejecting the proposal. Key Arguments Against the Bill Adamu Matazu, a representative of the protesters, outlined the major concerns: Call to Action The protesters urged lawmakers to focus on empowering existing institutions rather than creating new ones. Matazu emphasized: “This bill does not address Nigeria’s real problems. Instead, it introduces unnecessary complications that could harm the future of our maritime sector and economy.” Conclusion The Coastal Guards Establishment Bill has been widely criticized for its perceived redundancy and potential to disrupt Nigeria’s security framework. Activists demand its rejection to prioritize efficiency, resource optimization, and the enhancement of existing security infrastructure. Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
