The Federal Government has expressed its full support for the National Coast Guard Bill, praising its proponents for their foresight in initiating a move that could unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during a public hearing at the National Assembly, emphasizing that the bill, when passed, will promote maritime safety, sustainable development of marine resources, and economic growth.
The Minister highlighted the bill’s key areas of focus, including ensuring maritime safety, enforcing environmental regulations to protect marine ecosystems, upholding civil maritime laws, regulating fishing activities to prevent illegal exploitation, and providing timely search and rescue operations.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s vast maritime domain, with an 850-kilometer coastline and extensive inland waterways, is rich in economic potential but faces challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable resource use.
Drawing comparisons with other African nations, Oyetola cited a 2009 study by the African Centre for Strategic Studies, which revealed that 15 of 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards, despite having smaller populations and less extensive waterways than Nigeria.
He acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the country’s maritime space, especially through its collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on the Deep Blue Project, which has achieved zero piracy in Nigerian territorial waters over the past three years.
However, he stressed the importance of a National Coast Guard to complement the Navy’s work, enhancing safety, preventing maritime crimes, and addressing other threats to marine activities.
Oyetola urged lawmakers to fully support the bill, emphasizing that the proposed National Coast Guard would foster a safe and sustainable maritime environment.
He also called for a flexible and adaptive implementation strategy to ensure the bill’s success and appealed to those with reservations to recognize the institution’s critical role in addressing the country’s maritime challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Akintunde Yunus, commended the Senate Committee on Marine and Transport for its dedication to advancing the bill. He described the National Coast Guard’s establishment as a necessity for safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways and protecting its marine resources.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine and Transport, Sanni Eshinlokun, provided a legislative update on the bill, noting that it was first read in the Senate on October 3, 2024, and subsequently debated and referred for further action. He explained that the public hearing aimed to refine the bill’s provisions in line with the Senate’s commitment to inclusive lawmaking.
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