The Federal Government has expressed strong support for the establishment of the National Coast Guard, emphasizing its critical role in unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potential. This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, during a 1-Day Public Hearing on the National Coast Guard Bill (NCG) held at the National Assembly complex on December 6, 2024.
Oyetola commended the proponents of the bill for their foresight in initiating a legislative course of action that, once passed, will serve as a catalyst for advancing the nation’s maritime safety, resource management, and economic growth.
During his address, the Minister outlined the key areas the National Coast Guard will impact, including:
1. Maritime Safety– Ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s maritime activities and securing the coastline.
2. Environmental Protection – Enforcing environmental regulations and conserving marine ecosystems.
3. Enforcement of Civil Maritime Laws – Upholding maritime laws and regulations, including fishing controls, to prevent illegal exploitation of resources.
4. Search and Rescue Operations – Responding swiftly to maritime emergencies, with timely and efficient rescue efforts.
Oyetola referred to a 2009 report by the African Centre for Strategic Studies, which highlighted that 15 of the 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards. He noted that despite Nigeria’s significant population and extensive inland waterways and coastline, the country lacks a dedicated national coast guard, unlike many of its maritime counterparts.
While acknowledging the Nigerian Navy’s crucial role in safeguarding the country’s maritime space—especially through the successful Deep Blue Project, which has led to zero piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters for the last three years—Oyetola stressed that a National Coast Guard would complement the Navy’s efforts. It would play an essential role in preventing accidents, crimes, and other threats to maritime activities.
“Our coastline spans 850 km, which is equivalent to 10,000 km in two directions, rich with diverse economic opportunities,” Oyetola explained. “However, these opportunities also bring challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable resource use. The proposed Coast Guard will be equipped to address these issues.”
The Minister urged the Senate and the National Assembly to lend their full support to the bill, emphasizing that the National Coast Guard will be a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment for the nation. He also called for the establishment of a flexible and adaptive implementation strategy to ensure the bill’s success, urging those with reservations to understand the urgency of this initiative.
Earlier in the hearing, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Committee on Marine and Transport for its commitment to advancing the establishment of the National Coast Guard. Represented by Senator Akintunde Yunus, Akpabio stated that the bill’s passage was essential for ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s waterways and protecting its marine resources.
Senator Sanni Eshinlokun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine and Transport, also spoke at the hearing, noting that the bill was first read in the Senate on October 3, 2024, and that it was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee for further legislative action. He added that the public hearing aimed to refine the bill’s provisions in line with the Senate’s commitment to inclusive law-making.
The discussions at the hearing reaffirmed the National Coast Guard Bill as a key step toward securing Nigeria’s maritime space and maximizing the potential of its blue economy.