National Assembly Moves to Strengthen Maritime Security Governance

The House of Representatives has intensified legislative action on maritime security with an expanded focus that links security enforcement to maritime education and human capital development. The initiative is being driven by the House Committee on Maritime Security and Education, which has commenced a wide-ranging review of existing laws, institutional coordination mechanisms, and capacity development structures within the sector.

Speaking during a committee session in Abuja, Hon. Khadija Waziri-Bukar Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Security and Education described the review as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing systemic gaps that affect both maritime safety and economic performance.

According to the Chairman, maritime security cannot be treated as an isolated enforcement issue. She stated that “effective maritime security is inseparable from the quality of training, professionalism, and institutional knowledge available within the sector. When education is weak, enforcement suffers. When enforcement is weak, national revenue, trade, and safety are placed at risk.”

The committee review covers operational coordination between the Nigerian Navy, maritime regulatory agencies, port authorities, and private sector operators. It also examines the role of maritime training institutions, certification standards, and curriculum relevance to contemporary security and commercial realities.

The Chairman emphasized that Nigeria occupies a strategically significant maritime corridor and must therefore adopt a long-term governance approach. She noted that “Nigeria is positioned along one of the most commercially active maritime routes in the region. This reality demands not only patrol assets and surveillance technology, but also a continuous pipeline of well-trained maritime professionals who understand security, safety, and commercial operations.”

She further observed that while recent improvements have been recorded in reducing maritime crime, sustainability remains a concern without institutional depth. “We acknowledge progress made through inter agency collaboration and technology deployment. However, the committee is convinced that these gains will not be sustained unless they are supported by strong legislative frameworks and a deliberate investment in maritime education and skills development,” she said.

The committee chairman also linked maritime education to youth employment and economic inclusion. She stated that “maritime education is not only about navigation and seamanship. It is about logistics, port management, marine engineering, environmental protection, and security intelligence. These are areas that can absorb thousands of young Nigerians if properly structured.”

Stakeholder consultations have revealed persistent challenges including outdated training facilities, limited access to modern simulation equipment, and weak alignment between academic programmes and industry needs. The committee plans to incorporate these findings into proposed amendments and policy recommendations.

Addressing funding and governance, the Chairman noted that fragmented oversight has constrained sector performance. “One of the issues before us is how to ensure predictable funding and clear accountability across maritime institutions. Security agencies, regulators, and training institutions must operate within a coordinated national framework rather than in silos,” she said.

She added that legislative oversight would be strengthened to ensure measurable outcomes. “This committee is committed to moving beyond policy statements. We want clear benchmarks, timelines, and reporting obligations that allow the National Assembly to track improvements in maritime security readiness and education outcomes.”

Maritime industry experts have welcomed the expanded scope of the review, noting that global best practice increasingly integrates security operations with professional training and certification. Analysts argue that aligning maritime education with security strategy could enhance Nigeria standing in regional and international shipping markets.

The committee is expected to conclude its consultations in the coming months, after which legislative proposals and oversight recommendations will be presented to the House. The Chairman concluded by stating that “a secure maritime domain supported by competent human capital is not optional. It is foundational to trade, national security, and long-term economic resilience.”