Maritime Stakeholders Unanimously Back Nigeria Coast Guard Bill

Maritime Stakeholders Unanimously Back Nigeria Coast Guard Bill

By Prince Benson Davies

Maritime stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed overwhelming support for the Nigeria Coast Guard Bill during a public hearing. The bill, which aims to establish a dedicated coast guard to secure Nigeria’s maritime zones, has been hailed as a crucial step towards enhancing the country’s maritime security and economy

The public hearing, convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, provided a platform for stakeholders to share their perspectives on the proposed legislation. With representations from key maritime agencies, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy, the hearing highlighted the importance of establishing a coast guard to complement the navy’s efforts in securing the nation’s maritime domain

Speaking 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, they presented varying views on the bill, with the majority supporting the creation of the National Coast Guard.

The majority of presentations voiced strong support for the establishment of the Coast Guard, with notable endorsements from prominent figures including Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, former Director General of NIMASA; Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigeria Bar Association; and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (Rtd), former Flag Officer Commanding the Training Command of the Nigerian Navy.

Dr. Olisa 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, Dr. 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.

 

Jean Anishere, SAN, articulated her support for the bill while highlighting certain ambiguities that must be resolved before it can be enacted. She 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 called for careful consideration of the bill’s provisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness in its implementation.