Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have expressed strong support for the Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a crucial step in enhancing the federal government’s efforts to secure the nation’s maritime domain.
In a recent statement, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency stated that the remarks came during a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to discuss the proposed bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard. Various experts and industry leaders offered their perspectives, with the majority endorsing the creation of the National Coast Guard.
Some of the notable figures who expressed their support for the bill include Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Jean Anishere, representing the Nigeria Bar Association, and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre, former Flag Officer Commanding the Nigerian Navy’s Training Command.
Dr. Agbakoba, who described the Bill as timely, stressed the importance of professional input to address some concerns within the draft, offering his assistance in the process. He expressed confidence in the Bill’s potential but urged careful examination to ensure that it meets the maritime sector’s needs.
Dr. Dosunmu also offered his full backing for the Bill, suggesting a clear division of responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and the proposed Coast Guard.
He recommended that the Navy focus on blue-water operations and national defence against external threats, while the Coast Guard concentrate on addressing maritime crimes and incidents along Nigeria’s extensive 855-kilometre coastline with more specialised and adaptable resources.
He cited India, Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates as successful maritime nations that have clearly defined roles for their navies and coast guards.
Dosunmu cautioned against assigning responsibilities such as hydrography and oceanographic research to the Coast Guard, as other agencies already handle these tasks. He warned that adding such functions to the Coast Guard’s mandate could distract from its primary focus on maritime security.
While voicing her support for the Bill, Mrs. Anishere raised concerns about certain ambiguities in the draft and called for further clarification and refinement of specific provisions before the bill could be enacted.
Addressing concerns raised by the Nigerian Navy, retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre Ekwerre urged the Navy to concentrate on defence and military operations, including showcasing naval strength and conducting diplomatic missions within Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. He emphasised that the Coast Guard should focus on enforcing maritime laws within the nation’s inland waters.
In conclusion, while stakeholders were overwhelming in their support of the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, they called for careful consideration and refinement of the Bill’s provisions to ensure that it is clear, effective, and capable of delivering the intended results for maritime security in Nigeria.
