Stakeholders and experts in the nation’s maritime sector express support for the Coast Guard Bill before the National Assembly, with many describing the proposed legislation as a boost to the Federal Government’s efforts in securing the country’s maritime space
In a statement made available to journalists, Head, Public Relations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, revealed that those who spoke at a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to discuss the proposed bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, presented varying views on the bill, with the majority supporting the creation of the National Coast Guard.
In their various presentations, majority of the speakers supported the establishment of the Coast Guard, with notable endorsements from prominent figures including Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); a former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Jean Anishere (SAN) and former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Training Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (rtd).
Speaking, Agbakoba described the bill as timely but emphasized the need for professional input to address certain concerns within the draft. He expressed his willingness to assist in this process. Dr. Ade Dosunmu offered full support for the bill, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should focus on blue-water operations and national defense against external threats, while the Coast Guard should address maritime crimes and incidents along the nation’s extensive 855-kilometer coastline using more adaptable resources.
He referenced successful maritime nations such as India, Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have well-defined roles for both the Navy and Coast Guard.
However, Dosunmu cautioned against assigning functions such as hydrography and oceanographic research to the Coast Guard, as these responsibilities are already managed by other agencies, and incorporating them could divert focus from the Coast Guard’s primary mission.
Anishere, who articulated her support for the bill while highlighting certain ambiguities that must be resolved before it can be enacted, pointed out specific provisions in the bill that require clarification and further refinement.
Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre addressed concerns raised by the Nigerian Navy and advocated that the Navy should concentrate on defense, showcasing military strength, and conducting diplomatic operations within territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He asserted that the Coast Guard should be responsible for enforcing maritime laws in the nation’s inland waters.
In summary, while the majority of stakeholders endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, they also stressed the need for a careful consideration of the bill’s provisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness in its implementation.
