Years after the idea was jettisoned by the Federal Government, there are indications that the incumbent administration is interested in creating a Nigerian Coast Guard with distinct responsibilities over the nation’s vast coastal areas.
To give vent to the determination, Senate, under the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, is planning to host a public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill 2024 (SB. 575).
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Senate Conference Hall 231, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. According to a notice that has already been made public, the hearing seeks to engage stakeholders and the general public in discussions on the bill, which aims to establish a dedicated coast guard responsible for securing Nigeria’s maritime zones.
The legislation is being spearheaded by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who has highlighted its importance in bolstering Nigeria’s maritime security.
The bill for the establishment of Nigerian Coast Guard was first introduced in the 9th senate in 2021 by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who is now the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, but the bill was dropped in the Third Reading.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola had also in 2023 disclosed plans by his ministry to seek the support and buy-in of the National Assembly towards the establishment of Coastal Guard as part of efforts to enhance security along coastlines of the country.
The Minister made the disclosure when a delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Safety, Education and Administration led by its Chairman, Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Oyetola disclosed that the establishment of a Coastal Guard became necessary given its place in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He stated: “Very soon, we will be coming to you to seek your support on coastal guards, which has become of paramount importance. There’s a need for executive bill to be considered and passed on this subject,” the minister had said.
The primary objective of the bill is to create a specialized agency that will complement the Nigerian Navy in maritime operations, particularly in times of war.
Findings revealed that the bill has already made significant progress, having recently passed its second reading in the Senate.
During deliberations on the second hearing, lawmakers like Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Ireti Kingibe and others expressed strong support for the coast guard’s creation. They however emphasized the need to clearly define the roles of the coast guard to avoid overlap with other agencies such as Customs and the Navy.
The proponents argue that the establishment of the Coast Guard is critical for economic security, particularly in curbing illegal activities like unauthorized fishing, which costs Nigeria billions of Naira annually
The Senate, in an advertorial on one of the national dailies urged representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, and other maritime-related organizations, to present their perspectives at the public hearing.
While urging other attendees to submit a memorandum to the committee in advance, the notice stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify Nigeria’s economy, with the maritime sector being a key focus for development.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that, while leading the debate, Mr Eshilokun said the bill sought to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard to be charged with the responsibility of securing maritime zones within Nigeria.
He said the bill was also aimed at maintaining a state of readiness as a specialised service in support of the Nigerian Navy in war situations.
The Senator added that the overriding intent of the bill was to enact legislation that sought to contribute to the country’s security, with a special focus on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security.
He said that it was also to ensure adherence to global norms and standards as they relate to maritime security.
“It is to provide assistance in the enforcement of all relevant laws within the maritime zones in the jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is also to administer and enforce regulations for the preservation of lives and property within the maritime zones of Nigeria,” he stated.
