Maritime stakeholders and industry experts have expressed overwhelming support for the Nigeria Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, lauding the proposed legislation as a crucial step toward securing the nation’s maritime domain.
At a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, experts, former officials, and legal professionals presented their views on the bill, with the majority endorsing the creation of the National Coast Guard as a key mechanism for securing Nigeria’s extensive coastline.
Among the notable supporters were 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. Agbakoba hailed the bill as timely and pivotal for enhancing national security, while also stressing the need for professional input to address certain concerns within the draft legislation. He expressed his readiness to assist in refining the bill’s provisions.
Dr. Dosunmu fully endorsed the bill, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should focus primarily on blue-water operations and national defense, particularly in guarding against external threats. He proposed that the Coast Guard take charge of maritime security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and coastline, handling maritime crimes and incidents. He highlighted successful models from countries like India, Singapore, the United States, Japan, and Egypt, where both the Navy and Coast Guard have distinct but complementary roles.
While Dr. Dosunmu voiced strong support, he cautioned against the inclusion of tasks like hydrography and oceanographic research within the Coast Guard’s mandate, as these functions are already handled by other agencies. He warned that adding such responsibilities could distract the Coast Guard from its core mission.
Mrs. Anishere, SAN, while endorsing the bill, pointed out certain ambiguities that need further clarification. She stressed the importance of resolving these issues before the bill’s enactment to ensure its clarity and effectiveness.
Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre addressed concerns regarding the Navy’s role, advocating that the Navy focus on military defense, showcasing naval strength, and conducting diplomatic operations within the country’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He firmly believed that the Coast Guard should take responsibility for enforcing maritime laws in inland waters, ensuring the effective management of domestic maritime security.
In conclusion, the majority of stakeholders at the public hearing expressed strong support for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, with the caveat that certain provisions of the bill be carefully considered and refined to avoid ambiguity and enhance its effectiveness. The stakeholders called for a well-coordinated approach in implementing the bill, ensuring that the Coast Guard is equipped with the necessary tools to perform its vital security role along the nation’s 855-kilometer coastline.
The discussions highlighted the importance of a clear division of responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and the Coast Guard to achieve a more secure and efficient maritime environment for the country.