Multiple sources have confirmed to our correspondent that the influence of plethora of militant groups and non-state actors masquerading as merchant navy academies and bodies in the Niger Delta collectively informed the red flag that was raised against the Coast Guard Bill.
Findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that various militant factions have been forming groups and organizations in the Niger Delta and South- South region, hoping to be incorporated into the structure of the proposed Coast Guard.
Industry experts corroborated the fears that were expressed in government quarters about the potential harm in the Coast Guard initiative.
Those who spoke with Shipping Position Daily warn that the emergence of these mushroom organizations could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the initiative, sparking renewed debates on the role of regulatory agencies in safeguarding maritime security.
Shipping Position Daily had reported exclusively last week, that the push for the enactment of controversial Nigeria Coast Guard Bill has hit another brick wall, as the National Security Adviser; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has firmly rejected the proposal, citing security concerns.
The position of the NSA’s office was reportedly based on the security threats that the various non-state actors in the Niger Delta region could pose if the new body is created.
Proponents of the controversial bill had argued that a specialized coast guard would offer a focused legal framework and operational effectiveness far beyond that of the existing naval structures.
The push to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard gained traction on Thursday, December 5, 2024, when stakeholders gathered at the National Assembly for a public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
Shipping Position Daily confirmed the existence of five maritime security groups that had joined the Provisional Nigerian Coast Guard ‘group’ during its second edition of harmonisation meeting, which held at Abak Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state recently.
The groups are: Redzone Marine, Maritime Safety and Security Initiative, Anti-conflict Agency, Marine Safety and Rescue Agency, and Marine Coastal Security. This brings the total number of the security groups to 15, following 10 others that fused into the provisional agency during its first edition of the harmonisation ceremony on March 8, 2024.
Amid ongoing debates over the proposed establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard, concerns have emerged over the proliferation of self-serving interest groups allegedly seeking to exploit the initiative for personal gain. Industry stakeholders have however warned that certain individuals and groups are positioning themselves to benefit financially under the guise of advocating for the Coast Guard’s formation.
In a chat last week with the National President, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA), Engr. Bob Yousuo, he expressed strong reservations about the push for a Coast Guard, arguing that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy already perform the core functions that a Coast Guard would undertake.
According to the Engr. Yousuo, the idea of establishing a new agency could be unnecessary if the government strengthens the existing security framework. He further noted that previous administrations had taken steps to enhance maritime security, including the acquisition of helicopters and patrol vessels. However, ineffective management and lack of continuity have hampered its progress.
Giving credence to the security breach being feared bin government quarters, the Merchant Navy boss further alleged that some individuals are already collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretense of recruitment into the yet-to-be-established Coast Guard, calling the move a blatant act of extortion.
Engr. Yousuo emphasized that any issue of Coast Guard should be handled within the framework of NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, rather than being privatized or exploited by interest groups for financial gain. He urged the government to focus on strengthening existing maritime security structures, rather than duplicating functions, which could lead to inefficiencies and further exploitation by unscrupulous actors.
“Nigeria does not need a separate Coast Guard if our existing maritime security structures are properly funded and managed. There are already vessels and helicopters purchased for this purpose under previous administrations, but poor management has hindered their effectiveness.
“The people pushing for this initiative are doing so because they believe they can benefit from it financially, but maritime security is a national concern that should not be left in the hands of private individuals or groups with vested interest.” Yousuo concluded.
However, a seasoned Master Mariner, Captain Henry Gumwalk strongly disagrees with this perspective, arguing that the Coast Guard initiative is long overdue. According to him, Nigeria should be discussing how to build the agency’s capacity rather than debating its necessity. He criticized the notion that the Coast Guard would duplicate existing agencies, pointing out that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) carries out roles similar to the Police, yet no one questions its existence.
Captain Gumwalk further alleged that the Nigerian Navy has historically viewed Merchant seafarers as competitors rather than collaborators, often working to suppress their initiatives, instead of fostering cooperation for national development.
The Master Mariner dismissed concerns over reports that some militant groups were forming organizations to exploit the Coast Guard initiative. He insisted that security agencies, including the Navy, have the intelligence capacity to distinguish between legitimate maritime bodies and fraudulent groups.
Captain Gumwalk further emphasized that a single bad actor should not be used as a justification to abandon a beneficial initiative. The expert reiterated that the Coast Guard, if established, should remain under the operational control of these agencies to prevent unnecessary bureaucratic expansion and ensure seamless coordination in maritime security operations.
“If they know these militants and are sure they are forming a group to hijack the Coast Guard, then they should go after them because they are illegal. But that should not stop what is good for everybody. So, if the Navy know these militants and they are so sure of it that the militants are forming a group to come up to talk about this Coast Guard, then they should go after these ones ,because these guys are illegal.
“But if this issue is being handled by professionals, who are professionals in this industry, who understand what the Coast Guard should be, who understand what should be done, then I don’t see anything wrong with it” Captain Gumwalk.
