A stakeholder, Abdulazeez Ayodele Aloba, said the absence of a dedicated civil maritime agency responsible for search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and law enforcement has created critical gaps in emergency response and safety. “The current structure exposes citizens and economic assets to avoidable risks,” Aloba stated.
Despite Nigeria’s vast maritime potential, they note that the sector contributes less than 3% to the nation’s GDP due to insecurity and weak institutional frameworks. Persistent challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, and smuggling continue to erode investor confidence and reduce national revenue.
Aloba further noted that Nigeria’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium raises expectations for the country to meet global standards, including the operation of a professional coast guard.